Pakistan en route to immortality under http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Misbah-ul-Haq-c1972 – Opinion
After facing the brunt of spot-fixing scandal, the team from Pakistan is finally heading towards calm and composure under the leadership of middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq, who was given the realms of the Test squad after http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Salman-Butt-c2418 was suspended because
of his involvement in spot-fixing during Pakistan’s tour of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 in the summer of 2010.
Misbah had an immediate effect on the team as even a depleted Pakistan squad managed to
avoid defeats against the likes of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/United-Arab-Emirates-c3033 (UAE).
The first match was a draw; however, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 managed to subdue their opponents in the second match by nine wickets after amassing 403 runs in their first innings and then successfully chased a tally of 94 runs.
The Men in Green would now want to win the series by taking the third match of the series at Sharjah Cricket Association Stadium.
The team that was in turmoil after the 2010 spot-fixing fiasco certainly needed a calm leadership and the 37-year-old Misbah was just what the doctor ordered.
The middle-order batsman, who was almost written off, proved his worth on his recall and since then there has been no looking back by the charismatic batsman. Misbah has been doing superbly well in the national team both as a Captain and as a middle-order
batsman.
Citing his commendable work with the Test squad, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) deemed it appropriate to give him the charge of Pakistan’s one-day squad when former skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-Afridi-c2482 was sacked after developing estranged relationship with team management
and the PCB.
However, this move did not receive support from most corners around the globe as many cricket pundits were of the view that Misbah was not a suitable choice to captain the limited overs squad.
There was also a question of his place in the shorter version of the game as many felt that his style was not fast enough for modern-day cricket.
However, the mild-mannered Misbah so far has proved everyone wrong and has not disappointed his supporters.
In recent months, the batsman has gained confidence from the cricket board and even after the return of former skipper Afridi in the national team; Misbah was retained as the skipper which shows that the board does not want to disturb the captaincy at this
point in time.
Meanwhile, Afridi has also not shown any resentment in playing under the leadership of Misbah. However, this is a big gamble as Afridi is far senior than Misbah and this difference in seniority might come between the two stylish players.
The only contrast that exists between the two players is the fact the Afridi was a daring captain while Misbah likes to play it safe which sometimes shows his fear of losing a game which is one trait that he needs to remove soon.
Nevertheless, one thing is certain that Misbah is perhaps the best thing to happen for Pakistan cricket and the player has now exhibited his full potential as the Captain of the national team.
Pakistan must not lose the services of this inspiring skipper and should aim to get maximum benefit from his talents both as a batsman and a leader.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article do not represent Bettor.com’s editorial policy
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