Former players hail for match-winning century
8 July 2015 10:06 PM GMT
“Younis played one of his best innings on Tuesday and he completely rendered the Sri Lankan spinners helpless. I think the Sri Lankans under-estimated Pakistan batting and it was a mistake leaving out a seasoned campaigner like Rangana Herath and depending on spinners still new to Test cricket,” former captain Rameez Raja said.
Muhammad Yousuf, former captain and top batsman, also said the hundred was one of the most memorable innings from Younis.
“I have played a lot with him and you could see he was determined to do well in this innings. He is a steely character and physically still very fit. He is the one who is best placed to decide his future in Test cricket,” Yousuf said.
Younis, who turns 38 in November shared a <g data-gr-id="35">double hundred</g> partnership with young Shaan Masood to set up the series win the first by Pakistan in Sri Lanka since 2006.
“I think the Pakistan team on Tuesday made everyone happy and proud and this is what we expect
them to do. It is a good combination of senior and young players now,” Yousuf said.
Another former captain Rashid Latif said Younis’ hundred did not surprise him as the senior batsman was determined to carry on playing for another two to three years.
“He is a strong character and whenever the chips are down and he is under scrutiny he fights back with a big hundred like he did in this Test. But I can say he is a complete team man and a great example for the young players in the side,” Latif said.
<g data-gr-id="53">Batting</g> legend, Hanif Muhammad praised Younis and Shaan Masood for their hundreds but said every member of the team had contributed to the win. “Younis is a very mature and experienced batsman and his presence would have also given lot of encouragement to Masood who is still new to Test cricket,” the little master said. Hanif said <g data-gr-id="41">leg spinner</g> Yasir Shah was the real hero of the series with his 24 wickets.
“If Yasir had not bowled the way he did in the series and if Imran Khan had not taken those five wickets Pakistan would have been chasing a 400 runs plus target,” Hanif said.
The former legend said Pakistan were now favorites to win the ODI series as the morale of the Sri Lankans would be down after the Test series loss. Former test opener, Mohsin Khan said that the team management deserved credit for installing fighting spirit in the team and Pakistan now had a very good chance to win the ODI series and qualify for the Champions Trophy in 2017.
Pakistan leapfrog India, NZ climb to third in ICC Test rankings
Registering a series win against Sri Lanka after a historic run-chase, Pakistan on Tuesday leapfrogged India and New Zealand to be placed third in the ICC Test rankings. The Misbah-ul-Haq-led side rode on Younis Khan’s unbeaten 171 to script a seven-wicket win, chasing 378 at Pallekele on Tuesday.
The 2-1 <g data-gr-id="82">triupmh</g> in the series also got the visitors necessary points to be placed behind leaders Australia and South Africa in the rankings table. New Zealand and India are placed fourth and fifth. Sri Lanka have dropped four points and have slipped to 92 <g data-gr-id="92">points,</g> while retaining their seventh position overall. The Ashes begins on Tuesday and England will be aiming to reclaim the Urn and also improve its ranking.
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