Younis was finally dismissed 29 runs short of his best Test score

Younis Khan made a stunning comeback as his sixth Test century put Pakistan firmly in charge against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium, Karachi.

Younis, playing his first Test for more than a year, struck a majestic 124 and featured in two big partnerships with Imran Farhat and Inzamam-ul-Haq.

At stumps on the second day, Pakistan were 298-4, leading by 90 runs.

Opening batsman Farhat hit 72 before falling just before lunch, while Inzamam was 79 not out.

On Friday morning, Pakistan knew a good day with the bat would give them a major advantage after bowling Sri Lanka out for a moderate 208 on the first day.

The hosts did not get off to a good start, however, the first wicket arriving in the fourth over of the day when Yasir Hameed was caught behind off Farveez Maharoof for just three with the total on 13.

Kumar Sangakkara had the gloves on with Romesh Kaluwitharana off the field with an injury, and he gladly accepted the chance.

Reaction: Younis puts Karachi ton top of the pile

Sri Lanka had another chance when left-arm seamer Chaminda Vaas caused Farhat, on six, to edge an outswinger.

But neither Sangakkara nor first slip Thilan Samaraweera could latch on to the thick edge.

The left-handed Farhat made the tourists pay as he produced a string of fierce back-foot shots.

Opener Imran Farhat played the new ball superbly well

But finally, with his partnership with Younis worth 122, Vaas trapped him lbw with a ball that swung late.

Sri Lanka had to wait another 46 overs before collecting their thir wicket.

As the shadows lengthened, a tired Younis prodded a delivery from leg-spinner Rangana Herath to silly point, where Samaraweera took a fine catch.

Younis had hit 12 fours and one six, driven high over mid-on off Herath.

Pakistan sent out Riaz Afridi as nightwatchman and he was comprehensively bowled in the final over of the day by Vaas.

But with Inzamam looking in consummate touch, and timing his drives immaculately, Sri Lanka could face another tough day in the field on Saturday.

Pakistan: Inzamam-ul-Haq (captain), Yousuf Youhana, Yasir Hameed, Imran Farhat, Younis Khan, Abdul Razzaq, Shoaib Malik, Kamran Akmal, Rana Naved, Riaz Afridi, Danish Kaneria.