Farhan Yousaf, the 19-year-old captain of Pakistan’s Under-19 team, has drawn comparisons to India superstar Virat Kohli from former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja. The young Pakistan skipper is currently leading his side on a tour of England, where the team has already made a strong start in their four-match ODI series.
Ramiz Raja observed that Yousaf’s batting approach and technique bear similarities to Kohli’s style. The comparison comes after Yousaf’s impressive performances in the opening matches of the England tour, where he has demonstrated consistent batting form and leadership qualities.
“Pakistan’s [Under-19] captain Farhan Yousaf plays like Virat Kohli,” Ramiz said as quoted by Batting with Bimal.
Yousaf’s performance in the Youth Test
Yousaf’s recent performances have justified the attention. In the Youth Test match held from September 2 to 5 at Arundel Castle Cricket Ground, he scored 21 in the first innings and 47 in the second innings. These contributions came as Pakistan competed against England’s Under-19 side in a solitary four-day format contest.
The Pakistan Under-19 captain then produced a standout display in the first Youth ODI on September 10. His batting was part of a dominant team performance that saw Pakistan post 332 for 9 in 50 overs.
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Dominant display in the first Youth ODI
Yousaf’s 115-run knock was built on the back of a significant partnership. This partnership proved to be the highest for Pakistan in Under-19 cricket and the fifth-highest overall partnership in the ODI format across all age groups.
Pakistan’s bowling attack also delivered in the first Youth ODI. Mohammad Sayyam took 4 for 39 from 9.1 overs, while Rizwanullah, Niqab Shafiq and Ahmed Hussain each claimed two wickets. England were restricted to 155 all out in 35.1 overs, giving Pakistan a commanding 177-run victory.
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Partnership record and bowling success
The win gave Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the four-match series. The second Youth ODI was scheduled for September 12 in Guildford, with the remaining matches to follow. Yousaf’s leadership and batting form have been central to Pakistan’s strong showing in the early stages of the tour.
Yousaf’s captaincy credentials were already established before this England tour. He led Pakistan to the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup title in December of the previous year, demonstrating his ability to guide young players through high-pressure tournaments.
