Younus Khan’s record tally against Sri Lanka

KARACHI: As Pakistan and Sri Lanka prepare to take on each other for the umpteenth time in recent years, two batsmen at the twilight of their careers remain pivotal to their respective teams.

While Kumar Sangakkara towers over the rest of his teammates with his colossal runs tally and impeccable record against Pakistan, Younus Khan has been the chief run-accumulator against his most regular opposition over the last 15 years.

Interestingly though Younus’ average against the Lankans — 50.47 — is lower than his career average of 53.75 over 98 Tests, despite the number of runs he has scored against the Islanders.

The Mardan-born tops the list of all-time run-getters against Sri Lanka in the longest format. However, the high number of runs can also be due to the amount of games he has played against the Lankans, with as many as 26 of his 98 games coming against them — also more than any other player.

Younus’ tally of 2,019 runs with the help of seven hundreds is better than Sachin Tendulkar’s 1,995 runs, accumulated in 25 Tests. Tendulkar — the record run-maker in Test history — though has a significantly better average of 60.45 with nine hundreds to boot, as compared to Younus’ tally of seven.

Performance in Sri Lanka

Younus Khan is majestic when it comes to sweeping. PHOTO: AFP

Younus, the peerless linchpin of Pakistan batting over the last decade-and-a-half has mixed returns in Sri Lanka. In 14 Tests, the first of which was in Colombo in 2000, the veteran has scored 905 runs at an average of 41.13.

His 177 in a losing cause at Galle last year was his second century in the island, with his first also coming at Galle 15 years ago in a thumping innings-win for the hosts — their only victory at the venue.

Performance in Pakistan

Younus is equipped with a wide range of shots. PHOTO: AFP

The stylish batsman announced his arrival in no uncertain terms in his debut Test at Rawalpindi at the turn of the millennium against the Lankans.

The tourists bore the brunt of Younus’ resilience for the first time as the debutant nullified Muttiah Muralitharan and the probing line and length of Chaminda Vaas in a 107-run stonewalling effort. Pakistan eventually lost the pulsating Test by two wickets but Younus showed signs of things to come.

The highest score of the former captain’s stellar career was also against the Sri Lankans on his Karachi home strip in 2009 — the last completed Test in Pakistan.

Younus joined fellow Pakistan legends Hanif Muhammad and Inzamamul Haq in the 300 club by scoring a majestic 313 is his first Test as an appointed captain. Younus batted for 760 minutes and faced 568 balls during the historic knock.

Performance in UAE

You can always expect Younus to convert small knocks into big ones. PHOTO: AFP

In the UAE, Younus has gathered two hundreds against Sri Lanka — both in drawn games. The century (122) in the 2011 Sharjah Test helped keep the Lankans at bay in a match dominated by the tourists.

The draw allowed Pakistan to clinch the three-match series 1-0. The other ton (136) was notched on New Year’s Day in the drawn 2014 Abu Dhabi Test.