Younis falls short in record bid

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Andrew Feinberg

White House Correspondent

Pakistan captain Younis Khan missed his opportunity to break Brian Lara's world record score of 400 and Sri Lanka held off an unlikely victory push by the hosts yesterday to force a draw in the first Test.

Younis was out for 313 before declaring the first innings at 765-6 – a lead of 121 runs and also a record Pakistan total – an hour after lunch on the last day. Kamran Akmal remained unbeaten on a career-best 158.

On a batsmen-friendly wicket, there appeared little chance of a result, but Pakistan claimed some quick early wickets to raise hopes of a win. At 45-3, Sri Lanka looked vulnerable, but Kumar Sangakkara's 65 held the innings together, and Thilan Samaraweera and Prasanna Jayawardene negotiated the last eight overs to finish at 144-5.

"The last couple of hours was a bit disappointing for us in batting but overall I am very happy with our performance especially after scoring a big total in the first innings," said Mahela Jaywardene, who made 240 in the first innings, but only 22 in the second.

But Jayawardene lamented the pitch saying such docile wickets would prove disastrous for the game and kill the art of Test bowling.