Sri Lanka took the wicket of Azhar Ali to thwart his steady partnership with Mohammad Hafeez in the morning session on day one of the second Test against Pakistan in Colombo.

The tourists, who have a 1-0 lead in the series following last week's 10-wicket win, have reached lunch on 70-2.

It was a positive start for the hosts as Dhammika Prasad grabbed the first wicket of the innings by getting Ahmed Shehzad caught out for just one run off three balls.

First blood was drawn inside the third over, but Hafeez and Ali managed to steady the attack by racking up a combined 50 runs inside 15 overs before the latter was sent packing.

Prasad was involved again as Ali was caught out by Dinesh Chandimal after hitting 26 runs, 16 of which came from boundaries, off 45 deliveries.

Younis Khan, who is competing in his 100th Test match, entered the fray to lead the attack alongside Hafeez, but Sri Lanka's bowlers stunted the run-rate, with Angelo Mathews taking a maiden over.

Hafeez and Khan will resume at the crease for the afternoon session unbeaten on 31 and 2 runs respectively.