COLOMBO, Feb 14: Sri Lanka’s outgoing skipper Mahela Jayawardene led his team to Pakistan on Saturday hoping for victory in his final assignment before stepping down.

“It is a big challenge to play in Pakistan. We aim to win and maintain our record of at least one win in each of the last away series,” the Sri Lankan captain said as his team left for the two-Test tour in Pakistan, where they are replacing India.

India pulled out of the tour after the Mumbai terror attacks, which New Delhi blamed on Pakistan-based militants.

“Winning will be of special significance for me,” said Jayawardene, referring to his decision to step down from the Sri Lankan captaincy.

He said he was looking forward to a good performance from Suranga Lakmal, a rooky medium-fast bowler.

Lakmal, a gangling right-armer from the rural south, plays for the same local club as Muttiah Muralitharan.He and Tharanga Paranavitana, the opening batsman, are the two newcomers.—AFP