KARACHI: Country's iconic cricketer Hanif Muhammad has applauded Younis Khan's feat for breaking Javed Miandad's long standing record of highest Test runs for Pakistan while playing against England in Abu Dhabi.
"Younis is definitely a great batsman. But I wanted to focus to become the first Pakistan batsman to complete 10,000 runs in the Test matches," he told APP in an interview here on Tuesday.
"It was courageous and exciting way to break Miandad's record by lifting Moeen Ali for a massive six," legendary batsman Hanif Muhammad, commented.
Needing 17 runs to break Miandad's record Younis lifted Moeen for six to reach 21 run from 15.
"I was watching him on the television when he broke Miandad?s record," Hanif said.
Many Asian greats like Sachin Tendulkar of India, Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jaywardene have completed over 10,000 runs. But no Pakistani had achieved this distinction.
"The way, Younis is batting, he can play for Pakistan another 2-3 years in Test matches and he was quite capable of reaching that milestone," said, Hanif Muhammad, who had the honor highest individual total 337 against West Indies in 1957-58.
Karachi-based Younis Khan broke the 22-year-old record of Jived Minded to become Pakistan's leading Test run-scorer on the opening day of the first Test against England at Sheikh Bayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
He broke Miandad's tally of 8832 runs in emphatic style on the opening day of the first Test against England by hoisting Moeen Ali over deep midwicket for six during the final session.
Younis, made his Test debut against Sri Lanka at Rawalpindi in 2000 and scored 107 in the second innings to take Pakistan to within two wickets of a remarkable come-from-behind victory. The last 12 months have been especially prolific for Younis. In that time, he has averaged over 80 with six hundreds.
Hanif Muhammad also supported Younis Khan for keep playing One-Day Internationals.
"Whats wrong with the selectors why they are hesitant to select Younis despite his repeated interest in ODIs," he maintained.
"Are selectors are jealous of Younis? achievements and scared to select him in ODI matches," he pointed out.
Younis Khan led Pakistan to World T20 triumph against England in 2009.
Younis got a lot of accomplishments to his credit and deserved better treatment,Hanif Muhammad said.
Hanif said that when Younus recently came to meet him, "I gave him a few batting tips.
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