http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 has hailed his side for saving both Test matches against the formidable Proteas with an improved batting performance under pressure.
Pakistan team, after losing both the T20 and the ODI leg of the UAE tour, managed to draw both the Test matches played in Dubai and Abu Dhabi by batting well.
The 36-year-old Misbah-ul-Haq, who has returned to the international cricket after a long break, led his side from the front scripting three successive half-centuries in four innings. Two of the three half-centuries were scored in Pakistan’s chases as Pakistan
managed draws shattering South Africa’s hopes of winning the Test series as well.
Whilst the South African players are bemoaning the UAE tracks, the Pakistan Test skipper said they did offer some support to the spin bowlers.
“The pitch in Dubai was also turning for the spinners on the fourth and fifth day,”
said Misbah.
On the final day of the Abu Dhabi Test - Pakistan side after a respectable start of 66 without loss - was soon reeling at 66 for 3 after lunch but Misbah emerged as saviour for his side by sharing an unbeaten stand of 97 runs with Azhar Ali, with the mass
coming from the former. Misbah finished with an unbeaten 58 that included ten muscular boundaries while Ali, who had starred in Pakistan’s first innings with a remarkable 90, could add only 28 before the match was drawn.
“We had one thing in mind and that was to stay at the wicket,” Misbah said.
The performance of the debutants stood out for Pakistan during the two-match Test series as Asad Shafiq struck a fifty while seam bowler Tanvir Ahmed claimed six wickets.
Responding to questions regarding Pakistan cricket’s off-field controversies, the right-handed middle-order batsman said off-field events did not affect the focus of the players.
Pakistan’s next international assignment is their tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/New-Zealand-c754 that begins next month.
Tags: