The West Indies were staring at an innings defeat after being reduced to 74 for three, still trailing Pakistan by 205 runs, at the close of the third day in the first Test on Monday.
Skipper Brian Lara stood firm, however, with an undefeated 28, and nightwatchman Fidel Edwards was on five when bad light ended play 20 overs early for the third successive day.
The West Indies lost Daren Ganga (5) and Chris Gayle (11) before tea and Ramnaresh Sarwan (23) in the last session.
They began their second innings 279 runs behind after bowling out Pakistan for 485. They were bowled out for 206 on the first day after winning the toss.
There was some controversy. Television replays suggested that Sarwan had got a rough decision from Sri Lankan umpire, Asoka de Silva, who gave him out leg before although the ball appeared to be rising at the point of impact.
Sarwan was young pacer Umar Gul's second victim after he had Gayle caught behind. Ganga was run out by a direct throw from Imran Farhat responding to a sharp single.
Gul took five for 65 in the first innings.
Mohammad Yousuf scored 192 runs after he resumed on 107 on Monday morning.
He was dropped on 43, 101 and 114 in his 504-minute knock spanning 330 balls including 24 fours and one six.
