Brian Lara’s 501-run record will be broken, says Hanif Mohammad

Mumbai: Former Pakistani captain Hanif Mohammad believes that even Brian Lara's world record of 501 runs (not out) in First Class cricket will be broken one day. 

Exactly 20 years ago on this day (June 6, 1994), Brian Charles Lara scored an unbeaten 501 for Warwickshire against Durham.

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And by doing so, broke Little Master Hanif Mohammad's record of 499 runs (run out) in the Quaid-e-Azam trophy semi-final playing for Karachi against Bahawalpur. 

Speaking exclusively over telephone from his Karachi home, Hanif Mohammad says, "Well, nothing is impossible. I broke Bradman's record and it stayed for 35 years. Lara's record is two decades old. It may be broken tomorrow, or after 10-20 years or even 50 years, but records are meant to be broken." 

"I am happy that my record was broken by a world class great batsman like Lara, who also holds the highest runs in an innings of the Test." 

Hanif didn't want to compare his innings with Lara's. "We both played on different wickets. I played on a matting wicket where ball can cut on either side. I stayed at the wicket for 10 hours 35 minute. Lara scored on turf wicket. Match situations were also different."

"I did congratulate to Lara from Karachi on that day. People were flattered and used to ask me every minute when he was nearing to my score. I am happy that my name has been associated with Lara and people still remember me that my record was broken by Lara." 

"I wanted to discuss with Lara about his game but could never get that chance. May be one day if I happen to meet him the discussions are bound to be on these matches."