Inzamam-ul-Haq vs Younis Khan as Test batsmen

[New Yorker]

Both are Legends in Pakistan cricket but who do you think was better in Test Matches.

Younis Khan Avg 52
Inzimam Avg 50 (Pak Matches)

Inzimam ul haq has second best avg among batsman is matches won 78.16 where as younis has played some out of the world knocks for Pak team.

YK for his grit, particularly in late innings, his appetite for runs, and his ability to deliver matches and series. Inzi was more talented by some distance, but by that standard also underperformed. He should have had another ten centuries in the bag by the time he retired and an Ave above 50.

 

[SarfiBabarHaris]

Inzamam easily for me.

Younis was world class against spin but was a below average batsmen in odis where as Inzi was a great.

 

[cricketjoshila]

Inzy bhai hands down.

 

[Kroll]

Would go with Inzimam whilst still acknowledging YK as a Pak great.

 

[BunnyRabbit]

Being a traditionalist, I would still go with Inzamam. Whenever Inzi was there, you'd sense he'd bail us out of any situation. Younis didn't have that in him especially not in ODIs. Inzi was a proper match winner and a leader of the batting attack. If only he had paid more attention to harness his talent fully, he would have been comparable to Lara Dravid etc.

Younis though not supremely talented knew his limitations, and helped went as far as he could with the talent he had through sheer hard work and dedication, something arguable Inzamam lacked.

Inzi still the better one for me, although sometimes he wouldn't put a high enough price on his wicket especially in Tests. The calmness Inzi showed while constructing a chase was masterful. Way beyond anyone in Pak history bar Miandad(as i never got to see him bat in his prime).

Inzi's 92 not out with the tail with a broken arm in South Africa was a thing to supreme beauty.
Another one of his inning of 70 odd not out in 2nd ODI against WI in 2006 on a damp turner oozed class and calmness not displayed by a Pakistani since. What makes it even more amazing is that Inzi was way past his prime that time and was on his last legs yet he was able to see Pakistan off to a win both times.

 

[ads101]

Younis easily. YK succeeded in every country except West Indies (which doesn't matter too much, they're a weak side), and South Africa. And even then he still scored a century in both countries.

The other two have more countries they have gaps in their record. For Inzi's prowess against pace, he didn't do that great in South Africa and Australia, the two hardest places to play pace. Even in England his record while good, is worse than YK and Yousuf.

YK on the other hand excelled against spin, and pretty much did well in every country where spin is most dangerous. Not to mention YK batted at arguably the hardest position at 3 unlike the other two despite the fact he was suited more against spin and arguably would have done even better down the order at 4 or 5.

Yousuf and Inzi obviously looked better at the crease. But YK despite the fact he often looked scratchy at the beginning got the big scores.

Another thing underrated is YK was a big matchwinner in tests too. Was instrumental in setting targets and chasing down in our test victories in the last 10 years or so. Often was the one who upped the SR when the rest of our bats were slowly batting like Azhar and Misbah (who were very good test batsmen too, no shade to them).

 

[Hasan123]

Younis easily. YK succeeded in every country except West Indies (which doesn't matter too much, they're a weak side), and South Africa. And even then he still scored a century in both countries.

The other two have more countries they have gaps in their record. For Inzi's prowess against pace, he didn't do that great in South Africa and Australia, the two hardest places to play pace. Even in England his record while good, is worse than YK and Yousuf.

YK on the other hand excelled against spin, and pretty much did well in every country where spin is most dangerous. Not to mention YK batted at arguably the hardest position at 3 unlike the other two despite the fact he was suited more against spin and arguably would have done even better down the order at 4 or 5.

Yousuf and Inzi obviously looked better at the crease. But YK despite the fact he often looked scratchy at the beginning got the big scores.

Another thing underrated is YK was a big matchwinner in tests too. Was instrumental in setting targets and chasing down in our test victories in the last 10 years or so. Often was the one who upped the SR when the rest of our bats were slowly batting like Azhar and Misbah (who were very good test batsmen too, no shade to them).

Younis best run in tests was at 4 from when Misbah was made captain.

 

[RickyG]

I am going to assume that this is exclusive to test matches because obviously in ODIs, Inzi was probably our best ever batsman.

If I have to watch a batsman then I would want to watch Inzi. At his best, he was up there with Sachin, Ponting and Lara in his ability to dominate an attack. The only thing that prevented Inzi from being counted among those greats of his time was Inzi himself. There are a number of runs he left out in the middle by not being fit. He would run himself out or get out when tired. The other thing that goes against him is his poor record in Australia and South Africa. That being said, when Inzi scored Pakistan won.

Younis Khan on the other hand was nowhere near as elegant. When he first broke on to the scene not many would have predicted he would go on to become the highest run-getter for Pakistan in test cricket. In terms of output and performance, Younis Khan is the best that we've ever had. He has a superior record in Australia, England and South Africa. His batting has won us games in two of those three countries. His average of 74 in matches won is very close to that of Inzi but he has 19 hundreds to go with that. Younis Khan also lost almost two years of test cricket at his peak because of the Lahore attack and his ban later. He has an outstanding average of 50+ in the 4th innings as well. And it's really weird to see some people say Younis was inferior because he played spin really well. How does that make him inferior? So if I have to pick a batsman to help me win a game I would choose Younis which makes him a superior test batsman to Inzi.


Quick points: Younis > Inzi

- Better record against better opposition
- Better 4th innings record
- Similar averages in matches won (78 vs 74)
- Only played 19 matches at home in Pakistan vs 49 for Inzi
- Marginally superior away record
- More runs in less tests at a better average

That being said, Inzi was more aesthetically pleasing and far more dominating.

 

[RickyG]

Younis best run in tests was at 4 from when Misbah was made captain.

Yes but his point is valid in that Younis had 83 innings at number 3 with an average of 51.32 whereas Inzi had 12 innings with an average of 24.25.

At 4, Younis had 107 innings with an average of 53. At 4/5 Inzi had a 147 innings with an average of 52.3.

 

[Hasan123]

Yes but his point is valid in that Younis had 83 innings at number 3 with an average of 51.32 whereas Inzi had 12 innings with an average of 24.25.

At 4, Younis had 107 innings with an average of 53. At 4/5 Inzi had a 147 innings with an average of 52.3.

I knew he had a good run at 3 but his absolute best spell in test cricket and the reason he's rated highly is for his last 7 years of his career at 4.

 

[QalandarFan]

Younis Khan's mental strength and the ability to deliver when it matters is unmatchable and he is an absolutely a big big match player.

When the team was 0-1 behind in a series against a strong Indian side in India, Younis Khan stood up like a warrior in the final test and played one of his career best ever performance in Bangalore and helped his team draw a test series in India 1-1.

When the team was drawn 1-1 against Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka in 2015, he again delivered a legendary inning of 171* chasing down total of 380 with ease on 5th day pitch of Sri Lanka, which led to his team winning a test series in Sri Lanka.

Again, during 2016 tour to England, when Khan was on his last leg and struggling and dancing all the way through the series, he showed an unbelievable resilience and mental strength just when it mattered, and as a result went on to put a 218 which helped put his team to a position from where he not only went on to win his team a match but also went on to draw the series against an in-form Joe Root's England.

Not long ago, when Pakistan cricket was going nowhere and was at a position when they could have lost a test match to Zimbabwe and even a series to them, he stood up and delivered a back-to-wall 200, which helped Pakistan from losing a test series to Zimbabwe of all team.

He was the biggest reason why Pakistan never lost a test series to some very high quality teams in UAE(the likes of SA, Eng, Aus, SL and NZ).

Even when he was young and a junior member to the likes of Inzamam and Yousuf, he didn't mind doing the harder job of batting at 3 at times and still went on to become Pakistan's leading run scorer in Australia tour in 2004 while Yousuf who was at peak scored lesser runs than Khan in that series.

His 149 at Auckland, 111 at Capetown or his 178 at Headingley proves his ability in alien conditions as well. While he was a little susceptible against high quality pace, but he knew how to find ways to score runs even in those conditions and that's what makes Younis Khan a legend of the game as far as test cricket is concerned and hence only behind Miandad among Pakistan players in purist's game.

He didn't had the luxury of Wasim, Imran, Waqar or even Akhtar, but the way he carried the Pakistan team is stuff of greats and that puts him as at least the best test batsmen among all his contemporaries and second best ever from Pakistan.

Totally agree with this, basically sums up my opinion YK.

 

[RickyG]

I knew he had a good run at 3 but his absolute best spell in test cricket and the reason he's rated highly is for his last 7 years of his career at 4.

Yes but I think what he was trying to say is that Inzi played 75% of his cricket between 4&5. Younis played 40% of his cricket at 3 and 50% at 4. Had Younis batted at number 4 more times (75%) as opposed to number 3, his record would've been even better. Similarly had Inzi played more innings at number 3, his overall record would've been inferior. Inzi was a poor starter especially against a moving ball.

 

[Hasan123]

Yes but I think what he was trying to say is that Inzi played 75% of his cricket between 4&5. Younis played 40% of his cricket at 3 and 50% at 4. Had Younis batted at number 4 more times (75%) as opposed to number 3, his record would've been even better. Similarly had Inzi played more innings at number 3, his overall record would've been inferior. Inzi was a poor starter especially against a moving ball.

Inzi should have batted up the order in ODIs. He batted too late. In tests he should have batted at 4.

 

[Darkrai]

Inzamam by some distance. Younis was average.

Man, Younis wasn't even a good batsman?

 

[shehwar]

Inzi by a country mile! Inzi was arguably the best batsman in the world at his prime and we are talking about an era where Lara and Tendulkar were in their prime around the same time. He is among the most prolific match winners of all time. Stats do not tell you everything. If you had seen both these players play then you would know what I' talking about.

 

[Bhaijaan]

Inzi by a country mile! Inzi was arguably the best batsman in the world at his prime and we are talking about an era where Lara and Tendulkar were in their prime around the same time. He is among the most prolific match winners of all time. Stats do not tell you everything. If you had seen both these players play then you would know what I' talking about.

Basically this.

Stats don’t tell everything u less you study them in detail. Batting averages have indeed inflated since 2005. Inzy and Moyo are both 58+ test batsmen in today’s cricket and there is no one averaging 58 today except Graeme Smith.

 

[Savak]

Imran Khan still laments Inzi under achieved given the God gifted talent he had. I agree Inzi had everything going for him. Just lacked the absolute hunger like Kohli and confidence in himself, perhaps let himself down with his lethargic attitude towards fitness for most of his career

 

[Savak]

But Younis over achieved and fully punched above his weight

 

[Bhaijaan]

Imran Khan still laments Inzi under achieved given the God gifted talent he had. I agree Inzi had everything going for him. Just lacked the absolute hunger like Kohli and confidence in himself, perhaps let himself down with his lethargic attitude towards fitness for most of his career

At his absolute best Inzy was more dangerous than Tendulkar/Lara/Ponting

 

[Godhelpma]

Yunus Khan in test while inzi in ODIs

 

[Ab Fan]

A case for Inzy can be made definitely because he played in a more tougher era, 90s and till 2007. But as visible by my one of previous post that Younis was a huge match winner as well and there is no need for explanation of the way he carried the Pak weak team and his ability to deliver when the push comes to shove, a very strong case can be made for Younis as well.

Inzy perhaps takes it for the ODI lovers though and they are almost equal in tests IMO.

 

[Rana]

Big match Inzi

 

[Ab Fan]

Big match Inzi

Younis is also big match player. Refer one of my above post on that.

 

[saeed-sohail]

Well forget maintaining he has improved his average.

 

[Abdullah719]

Inzi is perhaps slightly underrated but Younis was a hard worker and achieved a lot as a Test batsman.

 

[Hitman]

Obviously Younis Khan. More Test runs, better average, far more centuries.

 

[Ab Fan]

Not much to seperate the two in tests, both great players. Inzy was obviously more talented but Khan was more resillient.

 

[shamaan]

For me younis khan

 

[Zaz]

Younis Khan shades it in tests Even though less talented he could bat long, put a price on his wicket and worked really hard at his game to become a consistently top notch test batter

Inzy underachieved in tests He should have been fitter and shouldve had a better record against certain oppositions

His lazyness sometimes prevented him from being the pakistani to 10k and 30 test tons

 

[shamaan]

Younis Khan shades it in tests Even though less talented he could bat long, put a price on his wicket and worked really hard at his game to become a consistently top notch test batter

Inzy underachieved in tests He should have been fitter and shouldve had a better record against certain oppositions

His lazyness sometimes prevented him from being the pakistani to 10k and 30 test tons

Younis khan also has 11 centuries against all oponents no other pakistan has

 

[sweep_shot]

Inzamam wins this one.

Younis may have more runs but Inzamam was a much better batsman.

 

[Zaz]

When in the mood inzamam was as good as anyone

The thing tho that let him down was his poor fitness n lethargic nature That drive to be the best version of himself wasnt there like it was with others

He mainly relied on his talent, got away with doing the bare minimum in terms of batting preparation and fitness He operated for the majority of his career in his comfort zone

He wouldnt challenge himself to play up the top of the batting order

He wasnt selfish for tons like a great must be and didnt focus 110% on the big teams or big away tours and see them as career defining as some batters have

He didnt run every single hard Missed plenty of games due to poor fitness, Hed struggle to go on and get big runs once set cos of his poor fitness, he d almost always gift his wicket playing lazily because he was tired and hed find comical ways to throw his wicket away numerous times due to his lethargic nature

His achievement are superb but he did this despite the above which shows how much better he couldve been

Im sure if only he was more focused and determined to be the best hed be mentioned in the same breath as lara and tendulkar

 

[Asifnow]

In 2010 I would have had inzy ahead for obvious reasons but Khan has clearly surpassed all other Pakistan test batsmen and probably was the best test bat of the last decade globally. His performances in England and Australia, all those second innings performances, record breaking chase against SL...the man did it all.

 

[Firebat]

I'd have to go for Younis, his longevity and consistency as a backbone of our test lineup was fantastic, with all those match winning performances, he just wins it for me.

 

[shamaan]

11 centuries in 11 countries against all opponents
10,099 runs by Younis in Tests only player from pakistan
10 Man of the Match awards for Younis, the 3rd-most by a Pakistani cricketer.
139 catches taken by Younis, 1st and only Pakistan outfielder so far to take 100 catches in Tests.

What a player doesnt get the credit he deserves

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Here's some brilliance from Inzamam-ul-Haq <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cricket?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cricket</a> <a href="https://t.co/vYISlx1L9f">pic.twitter.com/vYISlx1L9f</a></p>— Saj Sadiq (@Saj_PakPassion) <a href="https://twitter.com/Saj_PakPassion/status/1251187833525673985?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2020</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[sweep_shot]

Inzamam was an all-format player. YK was primarily a Test player. I pick Inzamam due to that factor alone.

Here's one great innings from great Inzamam:

 

[Savak]

Inzamam being a bad runner between the wickets was a myth. I have seen him run rapidly between the wickets and convert confirmed one's into twos and twos into threes. He just had embarrassing mix ups and confusions with his batting partner.

He was a very laid back individual and just went about his career as a day to day job, one day at a time and unlike other greats he never really set himself any individual targets or long term goals. But boy the guy would get switched on during the game when the team needed him to deliver.