Mathews happy to have justified place as captain

ABU DHABI: Angelo Mathews says he has justified his place as captain of Sri Lanka team after scoring marathon century in the drawn first Test against Pakistan.

Mathews grounded an unbeaten 157 in 7 1/2 hours in Sri Lanka´s mammoth total of 480-5 declared in the second innings to go along with his 91 in the first innings.

Pakistan were forced to bat out for a draw Saturday in pursuit of 302-run target on the last day as they finished at 158-2.

Mathews says "I am really happy and hope I have justified my place in the team."

The Sri Lanka captain showed no signs of a nine-month break from Test cricket since Sri Lanka last played against Bangladesh in March 2013 while senior pros Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara struggled on a batting-friendly wicket. (AP)