Win perfect farewell for Misbah and Younus, says Rashid Latif

Pakistan claim first-ever Test series victory in West Indies with 101-run win

KARACHI: The 101-run win against West Indies on Sunday was the perfect farewell to the legendary duo of Misbahul Haq and Younus Khan, said former skipper Rashif Latif.

“The two greats could not have hoped for a better win and farewell than this; winning such a nerve-racking game, that could very easily have ended in a draw,” he said. “The importance of winning the match cannot be underestimated since it made for the perfect farewell.”

The 48-year-old feels the historic nature of the win — which gave Pakistan their first-ever series win against the West Indies in West Indies — ensures that the Misbah-Younus farewell will always be remembered.

“These two are great examples of hard-working cricketers and have created perfect examples for the youngsters to follow,” he added.

Latif praised the players for staying away from controversy and retiring with an honest career. The former wicketkeeper was especially full of praise for Younus, who he felt has overcome a multitude of hurdles along his stories career.

The Karachi-born also refused to take anything away from Pakistan, despite many feeling they should have dispatched their opponents more emphatically.  “Although this West Indies side cannot be compared to those of old, it is still an achievement to win a series there.”

But Younus and Misbah were not the only ones who caught Latif’s eye, as he praised both Yasir Shah and Muhammad Abbas. “They were attacking with their bowling,” he said. “Abbas was targeting the stumps with his fuller length deliveries and credit for this must be given to [bowling coach] Azhar Mehmood.”

Abbas was trusted by Misbah, being used more than pace spearhead Muhammad Amir. “This will give heart to young bowlers who don’t have pace since you don’t always need pace to take wickets,” he said.

Latif also praised Misbah for his timely decision to declare on day four. “He knew they will be able to defend what they had and that was possible since Pakistan’s tail did well.”

The former skipper believes whoever replaces Misbah must be given enough time by the Pakistan Cricket Board to settle and create a team in his own mould.

‘Team has great examples to follow’

Former Pakistan off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq said that Misbah and Younus have provided youngsters with the perfect blueprint to follow if they are to win. “The two greats took the team forward well and set the perfect example with their careers, he said.

“Younus has had to face many difficulties in his career but has never left and was never disappointed,” said Saqlain. “He kept working on his cricket and kept on fighting and ended up achieving big.”