Captain Kumar Sangakkara felt Sri Lanka could have won the third Test if wicketkeeper Tillakaratne Dilshan had been fit.

The hosts began the final day still needing 309 to overhaul Pakistan's target of 492 and had seven wickets in hand.

Sangakkara, resuming on 50 at the start of the day, added another 80 runs to his personal tally to remain unbeaten as the match ended in a draw.

He put on 122 for the fourth wicket with Thilan Samaraweera (73) and an unbroken 114 for the fifth wicket with Angelo Mathews (64 not out).

Sangakkara century seals draw

Sri Lanka had needed 123 from the last 20 overs and had reduced the target to 101 from a possible 16 when the two captains agreed a draw.

"If Dilshan was fully fit, and if we had managed to score a few more runs after the tea interval, I think we would have gone for it," Sangakkara said.

"We thought about it, but losing a Test match was not something we wanted. I think the right decision was made in the end."

Dilshan fractured a finger while keeping wicket and had watched most of the proceedings from the dressing room, leaving the home side a batsman short.

Pakistan had declared their second innings closed three overs after lunch on the fourth day and Sri Lanka had the daunting task of batting out two sessions and a full day to deny the visitors a face-saving victory.

"I played a good Test innings"

The tourists began their task well, picking up three wickets at the close of play on the fourth day, but their success ended there.

"The plan was not to get out and not to lose too many wickets," Sangakkara said. "I played a good Test innings.

"Right through the series the batsmen have been in good form, but we haven't played a long Test innings like we did today. This performance augurs well for the future."

Sangakkara praised Mathews' performance but also said his side had missed off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan, out due to a knee injury.

The 22-year-old Mathews made his debut in the first Test at Galle and finished the series with 191 runs at an average of 47.75.

"We missed Murali badly"

"Angelo is really mature for someone that young," Sangakkara said.

"I hope he keeps his focus and we will hear a lot more about him in the next 10 to 15 years.

"We missed Murali badly, but the new guys who have come in have shown a hunger for success. They showed a lot of character and they deserve a huge round of applause."

Sangakkara said he was looking to carry the momentum into the five-match one-day series against Pakistan which begins in Dambulla on July 30.

"We need the right start and finish to each match," he said. "I'm looking forward to some disciplined cricket."

Younus Khan disappointed 

Pakistan captain Younus Khan was disappointed with the defeat but praised Sangakkara for a magnificent innings.

"They got a good start and then they had some good partnerships," Younus said.

"The pitch got slower, especially on days four and five and, at one stage, we thought they would go for a win.

"We had a lot of half-chances, but just couldn't get better than that. The biggest lesson from this series was not to collapse and if you have a chance then go and get the job done."

Younus said he was hoping to do better in the one-day series.

"We have a good one-day team and we're looking forward to a good series. A few of our batsmen have shown good form in the Tests. Hopefully they will carry the momentum forward."