After bowling out their hosts for 222, Sri Lanka ended the opening day on 60 for 3.
The tourists, who are fresh off their miracle one wicket win in the opening Test last week, need a win or a draw to secure a historic series result.
Day two gets underway at 12 PM UAE time.

Getafe stuns Real Madrid to shake up LaLiga title race
Lionel Messi, Miami score four in second half to upend Orlando
Arsenal claim nervy win over Chelsea, Man Utd go third
Samson guides India to T20 World Cup semis; South Africa beat Zimbabwe
Daniil Medvedev handed Dubai title after Griekspoor withdrawal