Misbahul Haq 50 not out

The Christchurch Test was Misbahul Haq’s 50^th as Pakistan’s captain and another feather in the cap for the 42 year-old who has now reached unchartered territory for country’s Test leaders.

Misbah started his reign six years ago on the back of the spot-fixing scandal crisis and banning of his predecessor Salman Butt. After a hard fought draw in his debut series as captain — two Tests versus South Africa in the UAE — he led Pakistan to series wins against New Zealand, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh before the historic sweep of the then world number one Test team England in the UAE.

After a lean period following the win against England, Misbah took the team to another run which started with a series win over Australia in the UAE followed by success in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in the 2014-15 season. The high profile tour of England — earlier this year — was a success for the middle-order batsman who was named the man-of-the-series more for his inspiring leadership than batting. Before squaring the series with England, Pakistan defeated them 2-0 in the UAE while the West Indians also tasted a 2-1 series defeat last month.

Misbah has remained a calming influence on the team and has made the most of his limitations as a batsman making vital contributions from his number five spot in the batting order.

For six years he has kept the team together, his last challenge is to hold the fort in New Zealand and Australia, as exhibited in the Christchurch Test, Pakistan have one final battle and a tough one at that under Misbah, will there be a heroic exit in store or will Misbah fade away? We hope it is indeed heroic since he deserves a rousing send-off.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 21^st, 2016.

Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces.