Shoaib Malik has belted his maiden Test century to help Pakistan to a draw in the first Test with Sri Lanka in Colombo.
The tourists were set a mammoth target of 458 runs for victory on the final day, but the 24-year-old opener scored a patient 148 not out, as Pakistan reached 4-337 in its second innings.
He lasted a marathon 369-ball innings as the visitors never really attempted to reach the huge target, rather they just tried to prevent a loss.
Malik's previous Test-best was 64 against the West Indies at Jamaica last year. He added 115 for the third wicket with Faisal Iaqbal (60) and 81 for the next with skipper Inzamam-ul-Haq (48).
Sri Lanka pinned its hopes of winning the match on spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, but he had a rare off day, claiming only one wicket in his 28 overs.
His lone scalp was Inzamam, who was caught bat-pad by Tillakaratne Dilshan at silly point.
Pakistan resumed at 2-89 and seamer Farveez Maharoof made the first breakthrough of the day, trapping Faisal leg-before.
But Sri Lanka continued to struggle for wickets as Malik and Inzamam batted steadily.
The second and final Test begins at Kandy on April 3.
