Yousuf raises mountain of record runs
Bureau Report

KARACHI—Pakistan’s batting maestro Muhammad Yousuf continued his dream performance in 2006 when he grabbed another world record to his credit on Thursday at National Stadium when he surpassed Sir Vivian Richards 30 year old record of 1710 runs in a calendar year set in 1976.
32-year-old master batsman Yousuf, who notched-up his record-breaking eighth century in 2006 on the first day to beat the record of seven centuries jointly held by Viv Richards (1976) and Aravaind De Silva (1997) by cracking 102 in Pakistan first innings. Elegant Yousuf reached the coveted landmark when he clipped paceman Corey Collympore to mid-wicket boundary for four in his 19th innings while featuring his 11th Test match this year.
West Indian skipper Brian Lara also applauded and greeted Yousuf as soon he reached milestone. “It’s a great honor for me to achieve two world records in this Test match,” beaming Yousuf said on his accomplishments. Yousuf was bowled by part-time bowler Ramnaresh Sarwan for 124 round his legs in the post tea session. After scoring 102 in the first innings, Muhammad Yousuf also completed centuary in the each innings of the match with another superb 124.
Yousuf is the sixth Pakistani after Hanif Muhammad, Javed Miandad, Wajahtullah Wasti, Yasir Hameed and Inzmam-ul-Haq to score century in each innings of a Test match.
Pakistan record-shattering batsman Muhammad Yousuf put his team in series clinching position in third and final cricket Test at National Stadium on Thursday. 32-year-old Yousuf, followed his 102 in the first innings with another glittering 124 as West Indies were tottering at 39 for two wickets in their second innings when bad light stopped after set record fourth innings score of 444 runs in 108 overs to win the match. Skipper Brian Lara with 18 and his deputy Ramnaresh Sarwan on 11 were at the crease when play ended for the day. Chris Gayle was bowled off an inside edge from Umar Gul for two and Daren Ganga was trapped leg before by Shahid Nazir also for two.