MOHAMMAD YOUSUF announced his return to the big-time in the only way he knows how by scoring a brilliant century to put Pakistan in the driving seat against hosts Sri Lanka.

Yousuf made 112 and Misbah-ul Haq chipped in with 56 as Pakistan, replying to Sri Lanka’s 292, recovered from 80 for four to post 342 in their
first innings on the second day in Galle.

Yousuf, who turns 35 next month, was playing his first Test match since December 2007 after being banned by the Pakistan board for playing in the unauthorised Indian Cricket League.

But the prolific right-hander was rehabilitated with a call-up for the current tour after breaking links with the rebel body and more than repaid the selectors’ faith with his 24th Test century.

“I feared my career was over, so it was a very good feeling to be back and that too with a hundred because the team needed it badly in this game,” Yousuf said.

And the master batsman knows that having got their noses in front Pakistan must now make sure they maintain their advantage. “The wicket is still not easy to bat on and that’s why I feel we should have taken a lead of 100 runs. But we lost our tail cheaply.

“It is very important now that we bowl Sri Lanka out quickly and have a chance to win this game.”

The 80-Test veteran hit 11 boundaries en-route to his first Test hundred against Sri Lanka when he was run out in the final session attempting a cheeky single.

Pakistan, who began the day at 15 for two, lost two quick wickets before Yousuf and Misbah resurrected the innings by adding 139 for the fifth wicket. When Misbah fell shortly before tea, caught in the slips off Herath, former captain Shoaib Malik (38) helped Yousuf put on 75 for the sixth wicket.

Kamran Akmal hit 31, but Pakistan lost their last five wickets for 48 runs.

Seamer Nuwan Kulasekera finished with four for 71, but magic spinner Ajantha Mendis went wicketless from 25 overs in which he conceded 89 runs.
At stumps Sri Lanka were still 50 runs behind having failed to score off the one over they faced.?

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