After laying a solid foundation on day two, Pakistan will look to stretch their lead on the third day of the first Test against Sri Lanka at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium here on Thursday.
Taufeeq Umar (109) and Azhar Ali (60) were the two not out batsmen when the stumps were drawn on day 2.
Pakistan: 259-1; Sri Lanka: 197
Full Scorecard
He was unbeaten on 109 in 296 balls as Pakistan closed on 259 for one, having only lost the wicket of Mohammad Hafeez during the day's play, in reply to Sri Lanka's 197.
Hafeez fell for 75 shortly after lunch while Azhar Ali made 60 not out to give Taufeeq vital support and keep Sri Lanka at bay.
Sri Lanka were certainly a little unlucky to not see the back of Taufeeq when he edged Chanaka Welagedara to Prasanna Jayawardene when on 102 but was given a reprieve.
Earlier, Ali was dropped on seven by the normally reliable Mahela Jayawardene as Sri Lanka failed to take their chances.
Their only wicket came when Rangana Herath had Hafeez trapped in front as the right-hander missed a straight delivery having faced 127 balls and hit eight fours in addition to one six.
Taufeeq's sixth Test century came from 259 balls and included seven fours as he patiently batted his side into the lead.
Their bowlers excelled on the opening day - Junaid Khan taking five for 38 - as Sri Lanka were bowled out for 197 after being invited to bat first.
