Younis was 149 not out at stumps on the third day with his predecessor Shoaib Malik run out for 56 after tea following a third-wicket stand of 149. Misbah ul Haq was on 20.

Pakistan were still trailing Sri Lanka's colossal total of 644-7 declared by 348 runs. Younis had faced 282 deliveries and stroked 17 fours.

Pakistan are playing their first Test in 14 months after teams refused to travel to Pakistan because of security fears, but Younis led from the front on Monday and performed at his determined and typically resilient best while Pakistan sought to defy a loss in the two-Test series.

The only batsman out before tea was debutant opener Khurram Manzoor, who was caught behind off Ajantha Mendis for 27. Salman Butt was dismissed the previous evening.

Younis has led Pakistan in Test cricket before but only as deputy for either Inzamam-ul-Haq or Malik.