Triple ton for Younus

A stirring triple century from captain Younus Khan formed the cornerstone of Pakistan's impressive fightback in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Karachi.

Younus became only the third Pakistan player to pass the 300-mark, after Hanif Mohammad and Inzamam-ul-Haq, when he reverse-swept off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan for three runs in the final session.

The Pakistan skipper finished the fourth day unbeaten on 306 as the hosts reached 574 for five at stumps - only 70 runs short of Sri Lanka's first-innings score of 644 for seven declared. Wicketkeeper-batsman Kamran Akmal was at the other end on 27.

Younus took to the crease at the end of the second day's play with his team facing an uphill battle.

But the 31-year-old paved the way with an innings that has spanned just over two days, steadily leading Pakistan to safety with a knock that was laced with a liberal dose of caution at the start.

Resuming on 149 overnight, Younus reached the 150 milestone with a single off left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas and struck his first boundary of the day off the same bowler with an outside edge which flew through the slip cordon.

He reached his double century by pushing a full toss from Dilhara Fernando through the covers for three runs, but thereafter accelerated as he clubbed Sri Lanka's weary attack around the park.

Younus, whose third hundred came off just 125 deliveries, has so far faced 545 deliveries and hit 27 boundaries and four sixes.

Sri Lanka spin duo Ajantha Mendis (one for 135) and Muralitharan (one for 165) have so far bowled 115 overs between them.