KARACHI: Younis Khan became the first Pakistan batsman to score 10,000 test runs on Sunday, reaching the milestone against West Indies in the opening match of his farewell international series.
Pakistani cricket legends and netizens were in all praise of the great batsman who has made his country proud.
It is his courage, determination & ability to score against quality bowling in difficult conditions that has led to this achievement. https://t.co/MawiDnER5T
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) April 24, 2017
Earlier this year, Younis also became the first batsman to score centuries in all 11 countries that have hosted tests after completing his set with a maiden ton in Australia, and the Pakistan Cricket Board was quick to pay tribute to the 39-year-old´s "prolific career".
“Younis Khan has been an excellent ambassador of Pakistan cricket," PCB Chairman Shaharyar M. Khan said on the board´s website.
"The number of records he has set in the recent past is something we as a nation can take great pride in.
"PCB Executive Committee Chairman Najam Aziz Sethi said Younis was a "run machine" while Chief Operating Officer Subhan Ahmad described him as the "backbone" of Pakistan´s batting.
Younis Khan celebrating 10,000 runs in Test #Cricket... #Legend #Pakistan pic.twitter.com/FfOOi739ri
— Taimoor Zaman (@taimoorz1) April 24, 2017
Younis was stuck on 9,999 runs at the tea break on the third day at Sabina Park in Kingston but did not have to wait much longer for his moment to come.
On the second ball of the final session, Younis swept off-spinner Roston Chase to the fine-leg boundary as an excited Pakistani contingent in the small crowd cheered and chanted wildly.
Younis removed his helmet, pointed his bat towards his team mates in the pavilion and punched his chest.
He took 208 innings to reach the 10,000 mark, and has averaged just over 53 runs in his 116-test career, scoring 34 centuries.
Here’s how people are congratulating Younis Khan on achieving the milestone:
Congratulations to Younis Khan 10k test runs. Phenomenal achievement.
— David Warner (@davidwarner31) April 24, 2017
An incredible achievement from an incredible batsman. Well done pic.twitter.com/I5GIip7Zwa
— Saeed Ajmal (@REALsaeedajmal) April 24, 2017
What a historic feat for Younis Khan and Pakistan! Truly honoured my friend. #YK10K #WIvPAK
— Mushtaq Ahmed (@Mushy_online) April 23, 2017
Congratulations to one of the nicest guys around, Younis Khan!!! 1st Pakistani to 10k runs. MA. Great player. Top person. pic.twitter.com/UGQNy6X1uL
— Moeen Ali (@MoeenAli) April 23, 2017
Younus Khan We r all very proud of U. Congrats to U,Ur Family & the entire Nation."10000" Test runs is a breathtaking achievement #LEGEND
— waqar younis (@waqyounis99) April 24, 2017
Younis khan is indeed a GREAT example of maximising his talent & achieving more & more with his determination & hard work,10,000 Test runs
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) April 24, 2017
Congratulations Younis Khan on your incredible 10K achievement. Hope you have an amazing farewell series, pile on the runs!
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 24, 2017
Congratulations to Younis Khan! He becomes the 13th player and the first from Pakistan to reach the milestone of 10,000 Test runs! pic.twitter.com/9VYZfKzKjA
— ICC (@ICC) April 23, 2017
Congratulations Younis Khan on reaching 10,000 test runs, an amazing achievement considering Pakistan's challenges. Pure class in every way.
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) April 24, 2017
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