LONDON (APP) – Younis Khan said Pakistan aimed to contribute to the nation´s Independence Day celebrations on Sunday with victory in the fourth Test at The Oval after his double century left the tourists on course for a series-levelling win against England.
Sunday, August 14 marks the 69th anniversary of the founding of Pakistan. It could also well be the day that Pakistan end their four-match series with England all square at 2-2.
Younis´s 218 was the cornerstone of Pakistan´s first innings score of 542. Leg-spinner Yasir Shah then took three for 15 as England slumped to 88 for four in their second innings come the end of Saturday´s third day — still 126 runs behind, with two days left in the game.
But Younis said victory in south London on Sunday would be especially sweet. “Yes, it would be great and a gift to the nation if we win tomorrow (Sunday),” the 38-year-old told reporters after stumps on Saturday.
“We have four down, so we hope that the victory can be achieved on Independence Day. We had talked about this before the match.”
Younis´s sixth innings of 200 or more in Test cricket was a dramatic way for him to end a run of low scores.
He had managed just 122 runs in six previous innings this series, with a best of 33 in Pakistan´s first Test win at Lord´s.
Younis´s poor form had again led to speculation that, at 38, his time in international cricket was coming to an end.
