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Pakistan cricket finds a leader
By Tabrez Janjua for Stani Army in General Cricket
50 ViewsKarachi’s pitch may have killed the match but it has rejuvenated Younis Khan. His triple hundred will always be diminished by this docile track despite the pressure of chasing down a total of over 600. It shouldn’t be. Much more illustrious Pakistan teams and batsmen have crumbled on as friendly surfaces. The pressure of the situation has been too great and their strength of character too weak. Indeed, which other Pakistan batsman has threatened to score a century?
Meanwhile, Younis has devoured this challenge with an innings that could earn him the highest ever score by a Pakistani. It would be well deserved. The new captaincy, a selection row, criticism of his leadership in the field, a score of over six hundred, and the bowling combination of Murali and Mendis have all made this innings a test of Younis’ mental strength and character. He has passed with a flourish and an ever present smile.
His square drive to reach a century and reverse sweep to the triple hundred were typical Younis: classical yet innovative and fearless. The road to recovery for Pakistan cricket will be long and interrupted by failure. But Younis Khan has already shown that he is a man with the guts to lead Pakistan cricket out of the living hell of the past two years.
Published with the permission of Dr Kamran Abbasi. Also posted at cricinfo.com
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February 25th, 2009 at 2:37 pm
He was unfortunate not to get it but it may have been just as well. A lot of haters were already criticising him for continuing to bat trying to get the record. Thing is, how else does someone get 400 in a Test?
It has to be in such a scenario where the pitch is flat and the match will be a draw. Why people have to criticise I don’t know. I agree, his achievement should not be diminished in any way. The ability to concentrate for that length of time against the worlds two best spinners is credit enough.
February 25th, 2009 at 4:22 pm
It was a great knock. I’m sure Younis got a few pats on his back and other places!