Inzamam told reporters, "When we bowled Sri Lanka out for 185 we were looking to win the game but we missed out on the opportunity when we were dismissed for 176. If we had scored 350-400 we would have had a chance to win."

He was also appreciative of the efforts of Malik and Faisal Iqbal, who put on a crucial stand of 115 for the third wicket to deny Sri Lanka any chance of victory on the final day.

"The boys played really well especially Malik and Faisal. Malik played an excellent innings. If somebody is playing like that, the other team is in trouble," said Inzamam. "I thought the turning point today was when we didn't lose a single wicket till lunch. The boys were confident they could bat out the remaining two sessions because we had eight wickets and 65 overs. We realised we could draw the match because it was difficult to chase 458 runs."

Malik rated his innings of 148 under pressure as his best and felt he was settling down well in his new role as an opener. He has opened in his last seven Tests with success, averaging 42.60.

"It was certainly the best innings of my career, including one-day internationals and Tests. I'm just thankful to Allah that He gave me the courage and will to play such a valuable innings for my team when they needed it the most," Malik told The News. "I definitely feel more comfortable and responsible now. I'm happy to play at any position my team wants me to play. If they feel I'm a long-term solution to the opening problems, I'm ready to keep on opening the innings."