Younis leads Pak fightback from the front

 Karachi, Feb 23: Pakistan's new skipper Younis Khan came out with a resolute and timely ton, helping his team give strong replay to Sri Lanka's mammoth first innings total of 644 for seven, on the third day of the first cricket Test at National Stadium here today.
Younis, who replaced Shoaib Malik at the helm of the team recently, remained undefeated on 149 at stumps and adorned his innings with 17 shots to the fence.

The senior batsman has led Pakistan in four Tests earlier as stand-in captain, but this is the first occasion he is leading the squad as the full-time skipper.

Younis, who had refused Pakistan captaincy after the 2007 World Cup, scored a century against India when he led the team in the Kolkata in 2007.

Younis drove off Lankan paceman Dilhara Fernando to point area on the final over before tea to complete his 16th Test hundred and fourth against the islanders.

Younis, who creditably negotiated the joint attack from spinner duo Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis, employed reverse sweep on the placid pitch with consummate ease to add to the frustration of the visitors during the day. PTI