Younis Khan smashes 30 runs in last over

JOHANNESBURG (South Africa), February 1: Younis Khan smashed 30 runs off the last over on way to scoring an unbeaten 94 as Pakistan recorded a nine-run victory over Gauteng Invitation XI in a pre-World Cup 50-over-a-side friendly match at Alberton south of Johannesburg.

Younis smashed four successive sixes, a four and a two in the last over of Adam Bacher to help Pakistan reach 265 for eight, including 66 off the last 30 deliveries of the innings. Younis, who was 41 after 45 overs in Pakistan's 199 for seven, clobbered five fours and six sixes in a thundering 65-ball innings.

The home team, whose victory target was revised to 255 in 47 overs because of rain in the afternoon, finished short at 245 for seven, thanks to a 124-ball 89 by Bacher. Azhar Mahmood showed no signs of shoulder injury that cut short his African safari last year and finished as pick of the bowlers with three for 50 from eight overs.

Younis, who notched up his half century from 52 balls with three fours and a six, scored his last 44 runs from a mere 13 deliveries that included four sixes and two fours. The Pathan, adjudged Man-of-the-Match, dominated an unbroken 45-run unfinished ninth wicket stand with Saqlain Mushtaq who chipped in with eight.

For Pakistan, who batted first in hot and humid conditions before something around 3,000 spectators, was also helped by decent contributions by stand-in captain Inzamam-ul-Haq (44 off 80 balls), Yousuf Youhana (32 off 51 balls), Shahid Afridi (32 off 25 balls) and Abdul Razzaq (23 off 40 balls).

The only partnership of note was for the fourth wicket between Inzamam and Yousuf who added 76 runs off 117 balls after Pakistan were left struggling at 50 for three.

Pakistan left out skipper Waqar Younis, Wasim Akram, Shoaib Akhtar and Saleem Elahi for this match.

Samiul Hasan
Media Manager
Pakistan Cricket Team
February 1, 2003