Pakistan captain Younus Khan has backed his players despite the stunning loss to Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle.

Chasing 168 for victory, Pakistan were heavy favourites to win as they began the fourth day 97 from their target with eight wickets in hand.

But a stunning collapse saw them bowled out for just 117 inside the first session of the day.

The manner of the defeat has exposed the team to heavy criticism, but Younus defended his players.

Couldn't handle pressure

"We have a young team and it is not right to give them stick right away," Younus said.

"It's all about pressure and because of the inexperience our team has not handled the pressure well.

"Before the series, I had said the team that handles the pressure best would do well."

Pakistan had held the edge over the first three days with Mohammad Yousuf's knock of 112 helping the visitors go past Sri Lanka's first innings score of 292.

Pakistan had looked set for a huge first innings lead, but Sri Lanka's bowlers were able to restrict the lead to only 50 runs.

Too small a lead

"Our lead was insufficient," Younus said.

"We had Yousuf and Kamran Akmal, two set batsmen at the crease and we ought to have got a lead of a 100-150.

"It was the turning point in the game and it allowed Sri Lanka to comeback.

"Having said that, I think Kumar Sangakkara's captaincy was fantastic.

"No other captain would have started with Rangana Herath at the start of the fourth day," he said.

All hail Herath

Left-arm spinner Herath had engineered Pakistan's downfall with two wickets at the start of the day. He finished with four for 15 from 11.3 overs.

Younus also pleaded with his countrymen not to put pressure on fast bowler Mohammad Aamer by comparing him with former great Wasim Akram.

The left-arm debutant paceman was the pick of the bowlers on either side, claiming three top-order wickets in each innings.

Aamer is no Akram yet

"Aamer is a young guy, but please don't compare him to Wasim Akram," Younus said. "Whenever someone bowls well he is compared to Akram.

"This is a huge problem in our country.

"With that pressure of expectation, it becomes hard for me and for the player.

"Give him two to three years and after that we will talk about him," he said.