Mohammad Yousuf- Consistency redefined

Class, Consistency, Elegance, he has it all. One of the most reliable players to have played for Pakistan, Mohammad Yousuf (formerly Yousuf Youhana) has been one real gem for Pakistan. When he was all set to work at a tailor’s, he was plucked by a local club to play a match at Lahore. From a Rickshaw-puller to being one of the greatest players of the game, he has seen it all. On account of his birthday, lets have a look at his top five innings of all time.

5. 117 vs South Africa, Lahore-2007

Yousuf came to bat when Pakistan was struggling at 27-2 and that one classic cover drive changed the complexion of the entire match.

Riding on the back of his innings, Pakistan registered a competitive total of 265, eventually beating the Proteas by 25 runs. Yousuf was rightly adjusted the Man of the Match.

4. 111 vs Australia, Melbourne-2004

Facing a quality fast bowling attack which comprised of McGrath, Gillespie and the legendary spinner Shane Warne, Yousuf lead the team by example as he scored a sublime century and helped his team register a good total on the board.

Though Pakistan lost the match but MCG witnessed one of the greatest innings by a subcontinent player.

3. 223 vs England, Lahore-2005

Inzy’s triple century to Sehwag’s double century, Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium has been a ground of memorable knocks. Among these knocks was Yousuf’s 223 scored against England in December 2005.

Yousuf, who had recently converted to Islam, was flawless in this match. His knock helped Pakistan with one of their most memorable wins in history.

2. 100 vs India, Dhaka-2000

When these two nations are playing against each other, it’s always a high profile match and when you score a century against your much loved opponent it’s like cherry on top of the cake.

Yousuf composed a well-deserved century that helped Pakistan reach the finals of Asia Cup 2000 and it also made sure that India had a much anticipated exit from the tournament.

1. 124 vs England, Lahore-2000

After England registered a huge first innings score of 480, Pakistan needed somebody to step in. The onus was once again on the young shoulders of Yousuf to bail the team out of danger.

England had their grip on the match but things turned quickly as Yousuf played one of his most memorable knocks and helped Pakistan draw the game. The 127 runs partnership for the 9 wicket along with Saqlain Mushtaq did the needful.

Editor : Gourav Nagrath, Akanksha Agarwal