Pakistan 298 for 4 (Younis 124, Inzamam 79*, Farhat 72) lead Sri Lanka 208 by 90 runs

Scorecard and ball-by-ball details

When Younis Khan replaced Asim Kamal for the second Test, there were many grumbles about the selection. Today, in a calm, unhurried fashion, he answered the critics with a century that showcased his pulls, drives and glides, and made Sri Lanka's attack look ordinary. Younis stood at the crease for almost the whole day, comfortably handling anything Sri Lanka's seven bowlers could come up with, and it took an inspired catch to dislodge him finally for 124. By then Pakistan had taken the lead, and Inzamam-ul-Haq was still going strong on 82.

The day had been Pakistan's from the morning, for they saw Chaminda Vaas and the others struggling, pounced on the freebies, and scored more in the first two sessions than Sri Lanka managed all day yesterday.

"The team carried me," said Younis later, dedicating his sixth Test century to Inzamam and Imran Farhat, who coolly accumulated runs and played around him. He played sensibly, as his captain had asked of the team before this match began, and in doing so gave Pakistan a clear shot at levelling the series. Younis's rock-like presence proved discouraging for Sri Lanka, because nothing could get past his bat. But he was fortunate, for a number of leg-before appeals were turned down. Still, supported by Inzamam and Farhat, Younis remained unflustered, hit out when he could, and found the gaps with unerring accuracy.

Yesterday, the bowlers were in charge: today, it was the batsmen's turn. The difference was discipline. Abdul Razzaq and the rest put the ball on the spot, letting the pitch do the work, and Sri Lanka crumbled for 208. Today Vaas and Dilhara Fernando tried too hard, and were taken apart as Pakistan ambled to 298 for 4. The morning session was Sri Lanka's best chance of grabbing the initiative, but the positive batting of Farhat and Younis took their side to 136 for 2 at lunch.

Farhat was quick to drive when he could, and his shots rarely went to the fielder. After one emphatic cover-drive off Vaas, he hooked the next ball, a short one aimed at his head, to the fine-leg fence. For a while, no matter where the bowlers pitched it, they gave away runs. Vaas did get him later, when he finally got his bearings, but by then the damage had been done.

Inzamam inflicted more pain after the batting delights of the morning. He was always in control, carting the spinners over the infield and driving the faster bowlers with an angled bat. Simple pushes raced past despairing fielders, and runs were taken comfortably. His reputation as a ponderous runner meant his end was always targeted for run-out chances, but he always made it home with time to spare. Inzamam has been batting with greater consistency lately, and his fielding and running have improved considerably too. Yesterday's exertions in the field showed off his new-found athleticism, and today his running was decisive and alert. Without risking too much, he backed himself to take two where he would usually amble only one, and he ran hard for Younis as well.

Pakistan were clearly the better side today, even though Younis edged Rangana Herath to Thilan Samaraweera at slip late on, and then Vaas dismissed the nightwatchman Riaz Afridi with what turned out to be the last ball of the day. Pakistan sailed past Sri Lanka's past 208 in a manner that showed they were in control - and, barring an unlikely fightback, tomorrow is when Pakistan should make the game safe.