Younis Khan strikes form ahead of first Test against South Africa

Experienced Pakistan batsman Younis Khan hit a brilliant hundred in the two-day match against hosts United Arab Emirates in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday, providing a batting boost ahead of the forthcoming two-Test series with South Africa.

Younis scored 103 in Pakistan's total of 317-9 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan will look to Younis and captain Misbah-ul Haq to anchor the batting against world number ones South Africa in the first Test starting in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Pakistan have been badly let down by their batting in their last five Tests, losing 3-0 in South Africa and squaring a two-Test series 1-1 in Zimbabwe this year.

Besides Younis, wicket-keeper Adnan Akmal scored 71 and Abdur Rehman 52.

A satisfied Younis said he wanted to take responsibility.

"I always try to lead as a senior player from the front," said the 34-year-old. "It's not pressure but just a question of self pride to do well against big teams."

Pakistan's second string is also playing a three-day tour match against South Africa in Sharjah.

Pakistan 'A' openers Ahmed Shahzad and Shan Masood, along with number three Azhar Ali, also scored half-centuries, showing it is not all doom and gloom from a batting perspective ahead of the Tests.

Brief scores: Pakistan 317-9 (Younis Khan 103, Adnan Akmal 71, Abdur Rehman 52).