Pakistan Scale New Highs in Epic Chase vs Sri Lanka, Jump to Third Spot in ICC Test Rankings

Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka by seven wickets in the third and final Test on Tuesday at Pallekele. Led by Younis Khan's dominant 171* in the second innings, the visitors claimed the series 2-1 to ensure a third spot in ICC Test rankings for teams. The team jumped three places after the win while rivals India languish in fifth place. (Match report | Scorecard)

Pakistan were faced with a mammoth target of 377 to save the match and the series. Their previous best fourth innings chase was 343/3 against South Africa in June, 2010. Batting at number five, Younis strode out and confidently rode his way past several records. On Day 4 - on Monday - he completed his ton which was his fifth in the final innings of a Test. This made him the only batsman in the world to have as many tons in the fourth innings of Tests. A day later, the veteran would build on it and remain unbeaten till the end.

Younis received good support from young Shan Masood who - as an opener - had already established himself on Day 4. The two put on 217 runs - Pakistan's highest fourth-innings partnership. Masood would make 125 on the final day before falling to Dhammilka Prasad. In walked Misbah-ul-Haq and helped himself to 59* to seal the sixth-highest chase ever in Test history.

Pakistan's win is now also the highest successful chase by any team against hosts Sri Lanka.

The two teams will now face off in five ODIs and two T20Is starting July 11.