Younis Khan struck an unbeaten century as Pakistan recovered from a stuttering start to close on 261-4 on day one of their first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.

After winning the toss and opting to bat, the tourists were struggling on 56-3 just before lunch.

But veteran Younis helped Pakistan get a grip on proceedings from there, contributing to a fourth-wicket stand of 100 and then an unbroken 105 partnership for the fifth, finishing the day at the crease on 133 not out alongside half-centurion Asad Shafiq (55no).

Dhammika Prasad was the star of the show early on as he removed both of the Pakistan openers cheaply.

First, Ahmed Shehzad (four) got inside edge on a wide delivery which crashed into his middle stump, while Khurram Manzoor (three) fell lbw to leave the tourists on 19-2.

That subsequently became 56-3 when Azhar Ali, having brought about a degree of stability by accruing 30, was bowled by Rangana Herath, and it was 59-3 at lunch.

After the interval Pakistan got their fightback under way and Younis and captain Misbah-ul-Haq's combination in the middle took the team to 140 without further loss by tea.

Misbah was then dismissed for 31 as Herath claimed his second victim, with Niroshan Dickwella taking the catch behind the stumps. Younis continued undeterred, though, to reach his 24th Test century.

He reached the landmark with a single through midwicket off Angelo Mathews to move up to second in the list of highest century makers for Pakistan behind Inzamam-ul-Haq, who made one more ton.

By stumps, Younis had faced 228 balls, hitting 11 fours and one six, while Asad had struck six fours and a six in his knock from 110 deliveries.
(Sky Sports)