Published: Sep 11, 2013, 11:52 AM (IST)
Edited: Aug 23, 2014, 10:21 PM (IST)
Younis Khan scored an unbeaten 200 against Zimbabwe in the first Test in Harare © AFP
Younis Khan rescued Pakistan yet again in the first Test against Zimbabwe with a double hundred in the second innings. He has undoubtedly been Pakistan’s most dependable batsman along with Mohammad Yousuf in the last decade. Nishad Pai Vaidya examines some important stats.
With Pakistan in a shaky position in the first Test against Zimbabwe, they needed the tried and tested experience of Younis Khan to sail them through. His innings of 200 not out kept the hosts at bay and put paid to any hopes of an upset. Time and again, Younis has been Pakistan’s saviour — scripting knocks in tough situations. Not only that, but he also set-ups games by scoring big runs at number three. The statistics reflect his prolific run in Test cricket and place him amongst the finest Pakistani batsmen.
Younis averages over 50 and has scored 22 tons. The interesting thing is that if one breaks his home and away record, one wouldn’t find too much of a difference. Some of the finest players have maintained their form in foreign conditions as well and it is a true testament to their quality.
Here are the stats:
| M | Runs | Ave | 100s | 50s | HS | |
| Home | 19 | 1,898 | 59.31 | 7 | 5 | 313 |
| Overseas | 51 | 4,028 | 50.35 | 11 | 16 | 267 |
| Neutral venues | 13 | 1,026 | 46.63 | 4 | 5 | 153 |
The most pertinent thing is that Younis has not played a lot of Test cricket in Pakistan, because of the security situation pushing the international sides to refuse tours. Some of those “home” games have come on foreign territory (included here in neutral venues). Yet, he has maintained his standards in those testing places and been Pakistan’s mainstay. This is something that only partly reflects his consistency.
Younis made his Test debut in 1999 and since then he has averaged over 50 almost every year. From 2004 to 2013, there was only one year where his average dropped below 50 — which was in 2012 when they played only six Tests.
Here are the details:
| Year | M | Runs | Ave | 100s | 50s | HS |
| 2000 | 9 | 403 | 31.00 | 2 | 1 | 116 |
| 2001 | 5 | 421 | 52.62 | 1 | 3 | 149* |
| 2002 | 12 | 774 | 38.70 | 2 | 5 | 153 |
| 2003 | 2 | 82 | 20.50 | 0 | 0 | 46 |
| 2004 | 3 | 307 | 51.16 | 1 | 1 | 124 |
| 2005 | 8 | 899 | 59.93 | 3 | 1 | 267 |
| 2006 | 11 | 1179 | 65.50 | 3 | 6 | 199 |
| 2007 | 8 | 751 | 53.64 | 3 | 3 | 130 |
| 2009 | 5 | 444 | 63.42 | 1 | 1 | 313 |
| 2010 | 2 | 180 | 60.00 | 1 | 0 | 131* |
| 2011 | 8 | 765 | 85.00 | 2 | 4 | 200* |
| 2012 | 6 | 360 | 36.00 | 1 | 1 | 127 |
| 2013 | 4 | 387 | 55.28 | 2 | 0 | 200* |
Note: Pakistan did not play Test cricket in 2008
Many batsmen plunder runs in the first innings. There isn’t much pressure and the batsmen have the onus of moving the game. In many players’ case, we have seen a huge gulf in their averages and dominance across the different innings of a Test match. However, when it comes to Younis’s record, you can see uniformity in the record.
The funny thing is that his first innings average is the lowest, whereas his number in the fourth innings leads the four. For most batsmen, it is the reverse. So, in the face of a target or even a huge first innings total, he is your best bet to tackle the bowling attack and create a winning position. Not only that, but he can also draw games by fighting the stronger opponents.
| Innings | M | Inngs | Runs | Ave | 100s | 50s | HS |
| 1st | 38 | 38 | 1,763 | 46.39 | 5 | 7 | 267 |
| 2nd | 43 | 43 | 2,398 | 57.09 | 8 | 7 | 313 |
| 3rd | 40 | 39 | 1,761 | 48.91 | 5 | 7 | 200* |
| 4th | 31 | 26 | 1,030 | 57.22 | 4 | 5 | 131* |
Whenever Pakistan have had to save a match or complete a run-chase, you can bet your money on Younis. It is tough to bat last as the pitch wears out during the course of the Test match, the opposition creates pressure by setting tight fields and bowling their best bowlers for long spells. Under those circumstances, the batsman’s caliber is tested and the ones with the most assured technique and good composure sail through. Younis has always had a solid skill set coupled with a sound temperament.
Comparison with Pakistan’s leading run-scorers at a similar stage
Mohammad Yousuf, Inzamam-ul-Haq and Javed Miandad are Pakistan’s leading run-scorers in Test cricket. Younis is currently in the fourth place. However, let us compare his current figures with those of the names mentioned above at a similar stage in their careers i.e. after 83 matches.
| Batsman | M | Inngs | Runs | Ave | 100s | 50s | HS |
| Mohammad Yousuf | 83 | 142 | 7,081 | 54.46 | 24 | 29 | 223 |
| Younis Khan | 83 | 146 | 6,952 | 51.88 | 22 | 56 | 313 |
| Inzamam-ul-Haq | 83 | 136 | 6,091 | 49.52 | 17 | 31 | 329 |
| Javed Miandad | 83 | 129 | 5,912 | 53.26 | 14 | 33 | 280* |
Younis is right there with some of Pakistan’s finest batsmen and has performed better on a few counts when compared to the others. At the age of 35, Younis may have a few years ahead of him and he is still fit. If he maintains his form and fitness, he might be on his way to break Miandad’s record tally of 8,832 runs. One only hopes Pakistan play more Test cricket and that he doesn’t miss out on a few games due to off-field reasons.
(Nishad Pai Vaidya is a Correspondent with CricketCountry and anchor for the site’s YouTube Channel. His Twitter handle is @nishad_44)
