Sporting icons : Younis Khan - Prolific Pakistan batting legend - Career HLs & video
Younis Khan, born on November 29, 1977, in Mardan, Pakistan, is one of Pakistan's most celebrated cricketers. Renowned for his elegant and technically sound batting, he is widely regarded as one of the finest batsmen in the history of Pakistan cricket. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in challenging conditions, made him a dependable player in Tests and ODIs. Beyond his batting, Younis was a respected leader who captained Pakistan to its maiden T20 World Cup title in 2009.
Style of Play
Younis Khan was known for his adaptability and composure at the crease. As a middle-order batsman, he excelled in both defensive and aggressive play. His classic technique, coupled with an unyielding determination, made him effective against both spin and pace. He was a massive accumulator of runs .Younis was also a brilliant fielder, often stationed in the slip cordon, and occasionally contributed as a part-time leg-spinner.
Test Career
Matches: 118
Runs: 10,099
Average: 52.05
Centuries: 34
Fifties: 33
Highest Score: 313 (vs Sri Lanka, Karachi, 2009)
Younis is the only Pakistani batsman to score over 10,000 runs in Test cricket. His consistency and ability to score big centuries placed him among the game's elite.
ODI Career
Matches: 265
Runs: 7,249
Average: 31.24
Centuries: 7
Fifties: 48
Highest Score: 144 (vs Hong Kong, Karachi, 2004)
In ODIs, Younis played key roles in Pakistan's middle order, often stabilizing innings and guiding the team to competitive totals.
First-Class Career
Matches: 260
Runs: 17,791
Average: 51.32
Centuries: 52
Wickets: 36 (part-time leg-spin)
Younis's first-class career reflects his prolific run-scoring ability and his longevity as a professional cricketer.
Career Highlights
1. Triple Century: His 313 against Sri Lanka in 2009 remains one of the finest innings in Pakistan's cricket history.
2. Chasing Maestro: Known for his fourth-innings heroics, Younis averaged over 50 in the fourth innings of Tests, a rare and remarkable feat.
3. T20 World Cup 2009: As captain, he led Pakistan to its first ICC T20 World Cup title, defeating Sri Lanka in the final.
4. Consistency: Scored centuries in all 11 countries where Test cricket is played, a testament to his adaptability.
5. Record Partnerships: Part of several record partnerships, including a 320-run stand with Mohammad Yousuf against India in 2006.
Major Batting Performances
1. 313 vs Sri Lanka, Karachi (2009): His marathon innings helped Pakistan secure a draw.
2. 171 vs Sri Lanka, Pallekele (2015)*: A match-winning knock in the fourth innings to chase down 377.
3. 267 vs India, Bangalore (2005): A monumental innings that demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure situations.
Legacy
Younis Khan's legacy extends beyond his runs and records. His resilience, sportsmanship, and leadership left an indelible mark on Pakistan cricket. He is celebrated as a role model for young cricketers for his work ethic, humility, and commitment to the game. Younis's contributions to Pakistan cricket, especially in Test cricket, have solidified his place as one of the nation's all-time greats.
In the below video , watch Younis scoring a sublime 100 vs England .
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