Younis Khan, the legendary Pakistani cricketer, is regarded as one of the finest batsmen in the history of the game. A prolific run-scorer, Younis was known for his elegant stroke play, impeccable technique, and mental toughness.
Among his many achievements, Younis holds the distinction of being the only player from Pakistan to score 10,000 or more test runs in his illustrious career. Additionally, he is at the top of the chart for the most test centuries for his country. One particular aspect that truly sets Younis Khan apart from his contemporaries is his exceptional record of scoring double centuries in Test cricket.
Over a remarkable career spanning 17 years, Younis played a total of 118 Test matches, amassing an impressive 10,099 runs at an average of 52.05, with a highest score of 313. He notched up 34 test centuries and 33 half-centuries, including an incredible six double centuries.
Let’s take a closer look at each of Younis Khan’s double centuries in Test cricket.
| No. | Score | Against | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 267 | India | Bangalore | March 24, 2005 |
| 2 | 313 | Sri Lanka | Karachi | February 21, 2009 |
| 3 | 200* | Bangladesh | Chittagong | December 9, 2011 |
| 4 | 200* | Zimbabwe | Harare | September 3, 2013 |
| 5 | 213 | Australia | Abu Dhabi | October 30, 2014 |
| 6 | 218 | England | London (The Oval) | August 12, 2016 |
1. 267 vs India, Bangalore, March 24, 2005
Younis Khan announced himself on the grand stage of Test cricket with a remarkable double-century against archrival India in March 2005. It was his eighth Test century, which he brilliantly converted into a double ton.
Pakistan posted a colossal total of 570 runs in the first innings, courtesy of Younis’ masterful knock of 267 runs, which included 32 boundaries and one six. In response, India managed 449 runs.
With a lead of 121 runs, Pakistan declared their second innings at 261/2, with Younis unbeaten on 84. India was then dismissed for 214, handing Pakistan a resounding victory by 168 runs.
2. 313 vs Sri Lanka, Karachi, February 21, 2009
In February 2009, during a high-scoring contest in Karachi against Sri Lanka, Younis took his second Test double century to a whole new level by reaching the milestone of a triple century.
Batting first, Sri Lanka declared their innings at 644/7, with double centuries from Mahela Jayawardene (240) and Thilan Samaraweera (231). In response, Pakistan displayed exceptional batting prowess, and skipper Younis led from the front, scoring a magnificent 313 runs, which included 27 fours and four sixes.
Pakistan declared at a mammoth 765/6. This is also Pakistan’s highest team score in a Test innings. Sri Lanka, in their second innings, could only manage 144/5, and the match ended in a draw.
Also Read: Most Triple Centuries in Test Cricket – A Statistical Report
3. 200* vs Bangladesh, Chittagong, December 9, 2011
Younis Khan’s third double century came in December 2011 during Pakistan’s tour of Bangladesh. In the first Test in Chittagong, Bangladesh was bowled out for a meagre 135 runs in their first innings.
In reply, Pakistan posted a massive score of 594/5, batting just once, with Younis remaining unbeaten on 200, smashing 18 boundaries and three sixes. Trailing by 459 runs, Bangladesh was bowled out for 275, handing Pakistan an innings and 184-run victory.
4. 200* vs Zimbabwe, Harare, September 3, 2013
In September 2013, during Pakistan’s tour of Zimbabwe, Younis Khan registered his fourth double-century in the first Test in Harare. After Pakistan managed to score 249 in the first innings, Zimbabwe went on to score 327 in their first innings.
In their second innings, Pakistan declared at 419/9, with Younis scoring an unbeaten 200 runs. Chasing a target of 342, Zimbabwe was bundled out for 120, and Pakistan secured a comprehensive victory by 221 runs.
5. 213 vs Australia, Abu Dhabi, October 30, 2014
Younis’ fifth double century came in October 2014, during the second Test of Pakistan’s series against Australia in Abu Dhabi. After Pakistan scored 570/6 and declared their innings, Younis Khan played a pivotal role, smashing 213 runs, including 15 fours and two sixes.
Australia, in response, was dismissed for 261, conceding a lead of 309 runs. In the second innings, Pakistan declared at 293/3, setting Australia a target of 603 runs. The Australian side could only manage 246 runs, handing Pakistan a commanding victory by 356 runs.
6. 218 vs England, London, August 12, 2016
The sixth and final double century in Younis Khan’s storied Test career came against England at the Oval in August 2016. During the fourth Test of Pakistan’s tour of England, the hosts could only manage to post 328 runs in the first innings.
In response, Younis helped his team reach a commanding score of 542 by scoring 218 runs. Younis’ innings provided Pakistan with a crucial lead of 214 runs. In the second innings, England was bowled out for 253, and Pakistan chased down the small target of 40 runs to secure a convincing victory by 10 wickets.
Final Words
Younis Khan’s career is a testament to his extraordinary batting skills and immense contributions to Pakistani cricket. His ability to consistently convert starts into big scores, especially double centuries, showcases his mental fortitude and determination.
As the only other Pakistani batsman to achieve six double centuries in Test cricket along with Javed Miandad, Younis Khan has left an indelible mark on the history of the sport, inspiring generations of cricketers to come. His achievements will be celebrated and cherished by cricket enthusiasts for years to come.
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