High-flying Younus lifts Pakistan cricket: AFP

KARACHI (AFP) — In two years Younus Khan has gone from shunning the captaincy of Pakistan's cricket to being hailed Thursday as its saviour after his epic 313 runs in the first Test against Sri Lanka this week.

The 31-year-old Younus's marathon innings of 12 hours and 48 minutes not only helped Pakistan draw the match but elevated him to the top of the International Cricket Council (ICC) batsmen's rankings.

But more than his batting, Younus's fearless attitude and positive approach suggests he is the man to lead Pakistan cricket out of a turbulent period.

Former Pakistan captain Rashid Latif expressed great confidence in Younus.

"Younus taking the responsibility and leading from the front augurs well for Pakistan cricket. He doesn't demand respect, he commands it and this is the best quality for a captain," said Latif, widely regarded as Younus's mentor.

Wasim Akram, another former Pakistan captain, believes Younus can bring home the laurels.

"Younus showed that records matter less and team comes first. I think if he stays as captain, Pakistan can win the 2011 World Cup," said Wasim.

He was referring to two records that came within striking distance for Younus this week -- Hanif Mohammad's Test score of 337 runs for Pakistan in 1958 and Brian Lara's world record of 400 in 2004.

Many believed Younus would never lead Pakistan again after he turned down an offer of the captaincy following team's shock first-round defeat in the 2007 World Cup held in the West Indies.

Pakistan also lost their admirable coach, Bob Woolmer, who died in the team's Jamaica hotel following their humiliating defeat against minnows Ireland.

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Captain Khan leads Pakistan comeback in first cricket test: Canadian Press

KARACHI, Pakistan — New captain Younis Khan led the comeback with a patient century as Pakistan reached 296-3 against Sri Lanka on the third day of the first cricket Test Monday.

Khan kept experienced Sri Lanka spinners Muttiah Muralitharan and Ajantha Mendis at bay throughout the day in scoring an unbeaten 149 off 282 balls. Misbah-ul-Haq was batting on 20 at stumps.

The Pakistan captain's job is far from over as the home team requires a further 149 runs to avoid the follow-on. Sri Lanka declared its first innings at an imposing total of 644-7.

Sri Lanka captain Mahela Jayawardene and Thilan Samaraweera both scored double-centuries Sunday and combined for a record-breaking 437-run partnership for the fourth wicket in the visitors' highest ever total in an innings against Pakistan.

"Last night before going to sleep I thought if Mahela could score a double-century, I should do the same for my team," Khan said. "It was actually good (to score a century) because if a captain performs like that the whole team follows him."

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Pakistan beat India in tri-series final: IHT

Reuters
Published: June 14, 2008

DHAKA: Opener Salman Butt and Younis Khan struck centuries on Saturday to help Pakistan beat India by 25 runs in the final of a triangular one-day series.

Pakistan avenged their 140-run defeat to their old rivals in the group stages, bowling India out for 290 from 48.2 overs after amassing 315 for three from their 50 overs.

Pace bowler Umar Gul took four for 57 from nine overs.

Pakistan, who won the toss and opted to bat, got off to a slow start until Younis joined Butt after the departure of Kamran Akmal for 15.

The pair added 205 for the second wicket, a record against India, before Younis was caught for 108 at mid-wicket by Virender Sehwag off Ishant Sharma. Butt retired hurt for 129.

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