Younus happy with high-scoring draw

Umar Gul (right) took two wickets as Pakistan met Younus Khan's targets on the last day in Karachi

Skipper Younus Khan felt Pakistan had achieved everything they set out to in the drawn first Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi.

Younus led from the front with a magnificent 313 and forged significant partnerships with Shoaib Malik, Misbah-ul-Haq, Faisal Iqbal and Kamran Akmal as they comfortably chased down Sri Lanka's first-innings score of 644 for seven declared on a placid track.

Akmal hit an unbeaten 158 on the final day, while Yasir Arafat scored an unbeaten 50 as Pakistan declared their first innings on 765 for six midway through the afternoon session on the final day.

It gave Pakistan a lead of 121 and Umar Gul and Danish Kaneria made an unlikely victory a distinct possibility by claiming two wickets apiece to leave Sri Lanka tottering on 120 for five in a lively final session.

A rearguard action from Thilan Samaraweera and Prasanna Jayawardene restored some stability to Sri Lanka's innings and a truce was agreed after the visitors had reached 144 for five and with 10 overs still remaining.

"Just before we came out to field, I had told the boys that we needed two or three wickets," Younus said.

"I think it was important that we claimed a few wickets at the end because it gives the players a competitive edge.

"If we play all our future Test matches in this fashion we will have results going our way.

"Gul and Kaneria responded very well, especially Kaneria because he looked a very different bowler.

Sri Lanka's Kumar Sangakkara congratulates Younus after he was out for 313 this morning

"There were a few good catches as well, so I think we achieved all our targets," he said.

Younus' knock helped deflect attention from controversial off-field incidents which had enveloped the game in the country prior to the start of this Test.

This was Pakistan's first Test in 14 months and had come after Australia and India had cancelled scheduled tours.

With a draw the likely result, the focus on the final day centred around Younus, who resumed from 306 overnight. He had Brian Lara's world record of 400 in sight, but he was dismissed by Dilhara Fernando inside the first hour.

Younus said it was an important knock and had been in the interests of the team.

"The team was under pressure and it required a huge effort from the senior players," said Younus, who was appointed captain just before this series in controversial circumstances.

"I was lucky to stay at the crease for more than two days and get those runs.

"It is special, but it was for the team and my team-mates.

"A knock like this always lifts the team and it boosts initiative.

"I think we did well," he said.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene called for a better pitch for the second and final Test which is scheduled to start in Lahore on Sunday.

"Hopefully the wicket in Lahore won't be similar," Jayawardene said.

"I guess the batsmen have no complaints, but it’s hard on the bowlers and they would be an extinct species if we get more wickets like this.”