Sanga, Mahela-less Sri Lanka stunned by Younis, Misbah's experience!

New Delhi: Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq, Pakistan's two ageless warriors once again delivered when it mattered the most as the visitors staged a spectacular fightback in the third Test against Sri Lanka to seal the series 2-1.

When Pakistan lost two wickets with just 13 runs on the board, a loss seemed evident with 364 more runs to chase. But it wasn't for the first time that Younis found himself in such a precarious position. Fortunately, he found a reliable partner in Shah Maqsood, as the duo stitched an incredible 232-run stand for the third-wicket partnership.

Even when the opener was dismissed for 125 on the final day, Misbah made sure there was no respite for the Sri Lankan bowlers as two of the most experienced batsmen in modern day cricket added unbeaten 127 runs for the fourth wicket.

Younis has silenced all the critics who doubted his ability to perform in the longer format with a magnificent match-winning innings of unbeaten 177 runs.

Sri Lanka, on the other hand, terribly missed the services of Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene. While the former had opted out of the final Test, the latter had announced retirement from all forms of cricket post the World Cup. 

Sanga too, will retire from the longest format post the second Test against India in the upcoming series.

While the Angelo Mathews-led side is undergoing a transition phase in the absence of these legends, Pakistan would want their formidable duo to play as long as they can after they have once again proved their mettle.