KARACHI, March 21: Thanks to a fine double century by Nasir Jamshed, Pakistan earned an honourable draw in the first Under-19 cricket Test against Sri Lanka at the Quaid-i-Azam Cricket Park (Steel Town) on Monday.

Facing a first-innings deficit of 253, the hosts batted throughout the final day of the four-day fixture to reach 494 for five after resuming at the overnight score of 196 for two.

Nasir, the left-handed opening batsman, led Pakistan’s rearguard action with a patient 204 in slightly over eight hours of crease occupation. Resuming at his personal score of 115, Nasir remained unperturbed both against pace and spin until he fell LBW to leg-spinner Gihan Rupasinghe. His 337-ball knock included 28 boundaries.

Fahad Iqbal, younger of brother Pakistan batsman Faisal Iqbal and nephew of the legendary Javed Miandad, added 45 to his overnight tally of 30 as he helped Nasir put on 165 for the third-wicket in 220 minutes. Fahad’s 75 off 174 balls was laced with nine fours and one six.

Adnan Raza and Fawad Alam, the main run-getters in the first innings, both hit their second fifties of the match. Adnan stroked seven fours in making 81 off 141 balls. Fawad remained undefeated on 53.

The second Test of the two-match series begins in Multan from Thursday, followed by three One-day Internationals.