Triumph a huge boost, says Waqar

Coach, manager laud Misbah's fine run as captain.

KARACHI: Pakistan coach Waqar Younis has termed the Test-series win against New Zealand a huge boost for his side after the recent onslaught of scandals and poor performances. The former captain said the team is coming to the right track and the victory will bolster his side’s confidence ahead of the One-Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand and the World Cup.

Pakistan cricket has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons ever since the spot-fixing scandal surfaced last year. The team also lost against England in all formats, and wicket-keeper Zulqarnain Haider running away in Dubai added to the side’s miseries.

“The team has suffered a lot in the past few days and the Test-series victory, after such a long time, has come as a huge boost,” Younis told The Express Tribune. “All the players showed responsibility and their positive body language designed the victory.”

Younis also showered praise on captain Misbahul Haq saying the seasoned batsman led the team from the front. “He performed both as a captain and batsman for which he deserves all praise. I am inspired with his decision making during the series.”

“Now our performance in the upcoming ODI series will set our tone for the World Cup.”

Alam favours defensive strategy on final day

Team manager Intikhab Alam said Misbah’s performance as captain set a precedent for the team. “The players all conducted themselves with care but the captain’s performance was simply exemplary,” said Alam while defending the team’s defensive strategy on the final day. “Winning the series was our top priority so the cautious strategy was  key.”

“The victory will lift the team’s morale ahead of the World Cup, but we need the ODI series win as it will be the icing on the cake.”

Published in The Express Tribune, January 20^th,  2011.