Younis Khan to play his 100th International Test
Cricketing icon, Younis Khan, on Thursday, will become the fifth Pakistani player to have played 100 Tests as Pakistan play Sri Lanka in the 2nd ?Test in Colombo. He will join the 100 club along with fellow Pakistan cricketing giants like Javed Miandad, Inzamaul Haq, Wasim Akram and Saleem.
In his 99 International Tests, Younis has scored 8594 runs, at an average of 53.71. He also has 29 centuries and 29 half-centuries to his name.
Former captain Moin Khan believes that discipline and dedication are the keys to Khan’s successful and prolonged career.
“He has been a disciplined cricketer throughout his life which has enabled him to play for so long for Pakistan with dignity and honour. He isn’t very social, keeps himself limited to his own world and remains focused on his cricket which I feel has played a big part in his success,” Moin told Sport360.
“He has been a complete team man throughout his career and it is really pleasing to see him go so long in his career. It would be great to watch him complete the landmark with yet another memorable ton,” added Moin.
Younis Khan has is widely respected on and off the field by teammates and opponents alike.
In terms of most number of runs scored by a batsman after 99 Tests, he is second only to West Indian giant Brian Lara, who had scored 8833 runs at that stage of his career. He is also the only Pakistani batsman to score a century against all Test playing countries, including five against arch-rivals India.
Former Pakistan captain, Rashid Latif, under whose guidance, along with Saeed Anwar, Younis Khan learnt the art of batting, also appreciated his efforts.
“I feel really proud because Younis has gone onto achieve so much in his career infront of my eyes. I’ve seen him grow in stature right from the club days of Malir Gymkhana to first-class player and now into a legend,” said Latif.
Younis Khan is a man who responds best in adversity and has always come to his team’s rescue. He remains an integral part of the team due to his extraordinary resilience as a cricketer.