Pakistan came into this Test series with a dream of ending their nine-year-long drought of winning against Sri Lanka at their backyard. Now, that dream was fulfilled after visitors chased down the target of 377 runs in the third Test at Pallekele in Kandy.
This win also shattered a number of records and the most eminent one being the highest ever run chase against Sri Lanka in the Lankan island. This was also the sixth highest run chase in the history of Test cricket. Misbah ul-Haq can now add that feather on his hat of defeating Sri Lanka at their conditions after three straight Test series losses.
"It was an amazing turnaround for us and this victory is a great achievement. I was with the Pakistan team in the last three series that we lost, but now winning the series here after long time is like a dream come true, specially after chasing a big total," the skipper said after registering a remarkable victory over Sri Lanka.
The win came after their run chase was beautifully orchestrated by none other than Younis Khan and the young bloke, Shaan Masood, who replaced Mohammad Hafeez in the third Test. Critics were raising their eyebrows as Younis Khan was out of form for a while, but on Tuesday, he silenced them after guiding his side to a record-breaking win with his unbeaten 171 runs.
Younis and Masood added 242 runs for the third wicket that broke the record of the highest third-wicket partnership in the fourth innings for Pakistan.
Meanwhile, the Pakistan skipper was more than delighted and heaped praises on Younis.
"A player like Younis in the team is a blessing. He is the sort of player who on a given day assures you an unlikely win, even if it's on the fifth day. His achievements are in front of us and explain what he is and what he can do. Credit should be given to the way Shan and Younis played. You could say they have played their best innings of their life, being under pressure.
"When you are chasing such a big target in a Test match, you can crumble under pressure and tend to make mistakes, but the way they both negotiated the pressure and every attack by Sri Lanka bowlers, it was amazing," said Misbah ul-Haq.
