Misbah-ul-Haq had more than one reason to celebrate as Pakistan won their first Test match in Sri Lanka after nine years on Sunday.

With Pakistan's ODI and Test side going through a transition of sorts, the 41-year-old Misbah has a brigade of youngsters who have offered much promise but have struggled in difficult situations. The Galle win, though, changed that perception to a great extent and prompted Misbah to say that the “pressure was now off us.”

He was of course referring to himself and Younis, two men with a combined match tally of 581.

“This is the future we are building with these youngsters and these players are coming of age now to take the team ahead.

“Sarfraz is a key player, Azhar (Ali) is performing in the top, and the way Sarfraz and Asad played it further stamps our faith in them.”

But Misbah reserved special praise for his bubbly leggie Yasir Shah, who combined with Zulfiqar Babar has managed to fill the void Saeed Ajmal left in the Test side. At least for the time being.

Yasir Shah's nine wickets in the match and figures of 7-76 in the third innings turned the Galle Test on it head. When he dismissed Kumar Sangakkara, a solid rock for Sri Lanka, on 18, Pakistan were ensured they wouldn't be chasing a heavy target.

The player from Swabi, rated as the best leg spinner of the current lot by the legendary Shane Warne, has shown immense potential since making his Test debut last year. Misbah expressed delight to have Yasir at his disposal but said the 29-year-old had a lot to learn.

“It's just the start for Yasir, look at the way he has performed to step up and become Pakistan's main bowler and to contribute in Pakistan's victories,” Misbah said.

The Pakistan skipper said Yasir offered the X-factor with his leg spin but still had to prove himself in Australian and English conditions before he could be compared with Ajmal.

“He is giving us a good advantage, especially on these pitches where other spinners are not getting any sort of spin.”

“Seven wickets against an opponent who is good against spin is something that speaks a lot. To became one of the greats, I think he still has to improve a lot."

“He might be performing well in Asian conditions but there are a lot more tests ahead of him when he will be abroad, like in England and Australia.” Misbah added.

Until then, Yasir will get another chance to add to his haul when Pakistan and Sri Lanka square off in the second Test at the P. Sara Oval on the June 25.