Younis Khan made history in the UAE in stunning style as he became Pakistan’s all-time leading Test run scorer. The 37-year-old veteran, playing in his 102nd Test, needed 19 runs in his country’s first Test against England — played in the UAE — to pass Javed Miandad’s long-standing record of 8,832 runs. On 15, he smashed Moeen Ali over mid-on for six to reach the milestone in the best way possible.
Younis Khan Becomes Pakistan’s Leading Test Run Scorer
Younis (or Younus) has been playing Test cricket for over fifteen years and has become a legendary figure for his country, to the extent that Wasim Akram, the pace bowler who, alongside Waqar Younis, tore batting line-ups to pieces for Pakistan, suggested that Younis and Test captain Misbah-ul-Haq should be allowed to choose when they retire. He said this in light of Pakistani pressure on these two to call it a day.
With that six, Younis moved to 8,835, which have come at an average of over 54. He has hit 30 Test centuries, the most notable of which was a stunning 313 against Sri Lanka in 2009. To look at his statistics in more detail, look here for his statistics as at before the start of the day’s play.
Despite being 37, Younis looks like he will be able to play Test cricket for a while yet if he chooses to. In his innings against England, which ended prematurely due to fatigue making him play a weak shot, he looked aggressive and on top of the bowlers; always looking to score runs and usually doing so with some success.
Pakistani cricket has seen better days. The spot-fixing scandal of 2010 still casts a shadow over the nation, and Pakistan itself is still deemed too unsafe for Test cricket. However, there have been positives, and things are on the up. They have already tried to get International cricket to come back home, and perhaps it won’t be too long until more matches are played there, but regardless, whilst they have been in the UAE Pakistan have played some great cricket — they are yet to lose a series there.
Younis Khan has been at the heart of their success in the UAE, scoring over 2000 runs there. Don’t bet against him continuing to score runs for Pakistan and perhaps even leading his country back home either on or off the field.
