KARACHI, Feb 25: Pakistan captain Younis Khan said on Wednesday he felt no regret after failing to break Brian Lara’s world record during the drawn first Test against Sri Lanka at the National Stadium.

Younis was dismissed for 313 as Pakistan amassed record their highest-ever total of 765-6 declared on the last day of the match in reply to Sri Lanka’s first-innings aggregate of 644-7.

“Realistically speaking, I’m not at all disappointed at missing out the world record [currently held by Lara, who made 400 not against England in 2004]. With luck, I might get more opportunities in the future to have another go at this feat,” Younis, who also fell 24 short of Hanif Mohammad’s Pakistan record, told a post-match media conference.

Younis said Hanif met him after his innings and was more disappointed than he was.

“Hanif came to me after I got out and straightaway told he was more disappointed with me for not scoring 400. He offered some kind words while appreciating my innings,” the Pakistan skipper said.

Younis said although he missed the coveted landmark, he was extremely satisfied that his epic effort helped his team save the game.

“I have always maintained that I play for my country because to me, records are made to be broken; I don’t chase them. Basically, I believe in teamwork rather than personal landmarks. And the way our guys played here proved we all want to do well for Pakistan,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sri Lankan skipper Mahela Jayawardene, praising Younis’s grand innings, noted the National Stadium pitch had the final laugh.

“I thought Younis batted really well in a controlled innings. It was a brilliant knock considering the time he spent at the crease [768 minutes], and because of him we probably lost a golden chance of winning.

“But I must say that if you continue to have too many pitches like this one in international cricket there won’t be any bowlers left. Maybe as a batsman I won’t be complaining, but when I think of the bowlers I feel sorry for them because it was very tough going for them,” Jayawardene remarked. “I hope the pitch for the second Test [in Lahore starting on Sunday] won’t be as heartbreaking as the one they had here.”

Opinion

Editorial

Lingering concerns
19 Sep, 2024

Lingering concerns

Embarrassed after failing to muster numbers during the high-stakes drama that played out all weekend, the govt will need time to regroup.
Pager explosions
Updated 19 Sep, 2024

Pager explosions

This dangerous brinkmanship is likely to drag the region — and the global economy — into a vortex of violence and instability.
Losing to China
19 Sep, 2024

Losing to China

AT a time when they should have stepped up, a sense of complacency seemed to have descended on the Pakistan hockey...
Parliament’s place
Updated 17 Sep, 2024

Parliament’s place

Efforts to restore parliament’s sanctity must rise above all political differences and legislative activities must be open to scrutiny and debate.
Afghan policy flux
Updated 18 Sep, 2024

Afghan policy flux

A fresh approach is needed, where Pakistan’s security is prioritised and decision taken to improve ties. Afghan Taliban also need to respond in kind.
HIV/AIDS outbreak
17 Sep, 2024

HIV/AIDS outbreak

MULTIPLE factors — the government’s inability to put its people first, a rickety health infrastructure, and...