Galle: Veteran batsman Younis Khan hit an unbeaten 133 to steer Pakistan out of trouble on the opening day of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
The tourists, electing to bat in overcast conditions, slumped to 56/3 before Khan’s rescue act helped them recover to 261/4 when bad light ended play two overs early at the Galle International Stadium.
The 36-year-old middle-order batsman, who came to bat in his 90th Test at 19-2, hit 11 boundaries and a six in his 24th century. Only Inzamam-ul Haq (25) has more Test hundreds for Pakistan.
Skipper Misbah-ul Haq, making a typically dour but determined 31, put on 100 for the fourth wicket with Khan before he was caught behind off left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.
Asad Shafiq ensured the effort did not go waste as he saw off the second new ball to help Khan add 105 for the fifth wicket, himself returning unbeaten at close on 55.
SCOREBOARD
Pakistan (1st innings): K. Manzoor lbw b Prasad 3, A. Shehzad b Prasad 4, A. Ali b Herath 30, Younis Khan (batting) 133, Misbah-ul Haq c Dickwella b Herath 31, A. Shafiq (batting) 55. Extras (lb4, nb1) 5. Total (for four wickets in 88 overs) 261.
FoW: 1-4, 2-19, 3-56, 4-156.
Bowling: Eranga 19-11-30-0, Prasad 16-1-54-2, Mathews 11-4-22-0, Herath 26-6-68-2, Perera 15-1-73-0, Vithanage 1-0-10-0.
