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Today's Paper | September 19, 2024

Published 26 Feb, 2009 12:00am

No regret at missing record, says Younis

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.”

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