Younus doesn't lose heart on record failure
Shahid HASHMI
Star batsman Younus Khan Wednesday said he was not heartbroken over
failing to trounce Hanif Mohammad's best Test score for Pakistan,
predicting more opportunities in the future.
"I am not disappointed, there will be more opportunities for me and I
can break records in the future," said Younus, who was dismissed for
313, 24 short of Hanif's 334 against the West Indies in Barbados 51
years ago.
Younus's epic knock helped Pakistan post their highest-ever innings
total of 765-6 declared in reply to Sri Lanka's 644-7 declared.
The tourists averted hopes of an unlikely result by reaching 144-5 in
their second innings to force a draw - a fair result on a flat National
Stadium pitch.
Younus said Hanif came to see him after his dismissal and was more
disappointed.
"Hanif Mohammad did come to meet me and he was more sad than me for
not scoring 400.
He was very kind and praised my innings but was sad that I couldn't
break the record," said Younus, of the former Pakistan opener.
Younus, who resumed on 306, added seven more runs before he played
paceman Dilhara Fernando on to his stumps and was bowled. In all Younus
batted for 12 hours and 48 minutes, hitting 27 boundaries and four
sixes.
Younus said he was happy that his effort helped his team. "I play for
my team and for my country. I have my own style of playing - I don't get
disappointed. Maybe I'll get another chance.
I've still got two to three years of cricket left in me so hopefully
next time.
"I have never gone after the records because I want to play cricket
for my team and for my country. I am happy that I managed to bat long
enough to avoid follow-on," said Younus.
Younus, 31, felt Sri Lankan captain Mahela Jayawardene did well to
restrict his shots early on the fifth day.
"There was no pressure on me but what Mahela did well early in the
morning is that he put in his fast bowlers and had there been spinners
bowling I would have scored those runs, but still I have no regrets,"
said Younus.
Jayawardene praised Younus for his brilliant batting. "I thought
Younus batted really well, his approach especially was brilliant," said
Jayawardene, who scored a brilliant 240 and shared a world record stand
of 437 with Thilan Samaraweera (231).
"He (Younus) played lots of shots up front and controlled things. He
batted quite a period of time with concentration.
It was a brilliant knock. Because of him we lost our opportunities."
Jayawardene said Fernando deserved Younus's wicket.
"Hats off to Younus. He was a bit unfortunate to get out this morning
going for that record. I think Dilhara bowled him well throughout the
match and deserved that wicket," said the Sri Lankan captain.
The second Test starts in Lahore on Sunday.
KARACHI, Thursday,AFP
|
