A paradigm of consistency, Younis Khan is hailed as the run-machine of Pakistan cricket team. One of the most selfless cricketers, Younis Khan turned 42 today.
The highest run-getter for Pakistan in tests was not as gifted as other contemporaries like Inzamam Ul Haq or Mohammad Yousuf but had the burning desire to play top-class cricket at the highest level, leading him to play for over a decade for Pakistan cricket.
Despite all valour and greatness, the 42-year old batsman always played under the shadow of other greats and ended his career as an underdog.
Let’s take a look at the 7 interesting facts about Mr. consistent Younis Khan that remained missing from the radar of every cricket fan:
1. Rashid Latif spotted the talent of Younis Khan
It was Pakistan wicket-keeper Rashid Latif, who spotted the talent of Younis Khan and encouraged him to take the sports seriously as a career prospect. And as the fate would have it, both of them played once together and the match was historic India-Pakistan clash during the 2003 World Cup.
2. A century against all test playing nations
He is the first Pakistan batsman and 12th overall to score a century against all test playing nations including UAE. He scored 8 centuries against Sri Lanka, 5 centuries against India, 4 test centuries against England,4 centuries against Australia, 4 centuries against South Africa, 3 test centuries against West Indies, 3 against Bangladesh 2 test centuries against New Zealand
3. 50+ average in each innings of a test match
Other than Sir Don Bradman and Herbert Sutcliffe, Younis Khan is the only third cricketer to average 50 in each innings of the test match. He averages 54.25 in first innings, 56.4 in second, 50.34 in third test and 52.81 in the fourth innings of the test.
4. Bowled quickest over in cricket history
Younis Khan holds the record for bowling quickest over in the cricket history. During a county match, his team Yorkshire was struggling and to avoid the slow over rate the skipper handed over the ball in Younis Khan Hands and he bowled a record over in just 35 seconds.
5. Most catches as a substitute fielder
In 2001, Younis Khan was the 12th man in a Pakistan match against Bangladesh at Multan. Saeed Anwar left the match due to some reasons,6. Younis Khan took the field for him and took 4 catches of Danish Kaneria’s bowling and broke Bert Strudwick’s 97-year-old record of 3 wickets and equalled Gurusharan Singh record of 4 catches by a substitute.
6. 50+ average in home, away and neutral matches
Younis Khan holds the record for averaging 50+ in home, away and neutral matches. He has played 19 matches at home and scored 1898 runs at an average of 59.31, played 68 tests away and scored 5486 runs at an average of 50.33. He has also played 28 tests on neutral venues and scored 2593 runs at an average of 55.17.
7. Only batsman to score 5 centuries in the fourth innings of the test match
He is the only batsman to have scored 5 test centuries in the fourth innings of the test match surpassing Sunil Gavaskar and Ricky Ponting record of 4 centuries.
