KARACHI:
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Mohsin Khan said that the selection committee achieved the target of finding a talented paceman as the team won the one-off Test against Zimbabwe by seven wickets.
Mohsin said the win was a result of team work and praised debutant fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema, who celebrated his 32nd birthday yesterday and claimed eight wickets on a pitch where other pacemen suffered. “I won’t rate the win as a huge achievement,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “The win wasn’t against a top-class team but we have achieved our target of finding a fast-bowler who can support the other pacers.”
Pakistan’s decision to rest the pace duo of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz drew criticism from various former cricketers but the chief selector said the decision was taken in the team’s interest and it proved a useful one.
“This tour was the best opportunity for youngsters and they justified our decision especially Cheema. I watched each of his deliveries and he impressed me with his fitness and commitment.”
Rues missed opportunity by batsmen
However, Mohsin rued missed opportunities of scoring centuries by captain Misbahul Haq (66), Azhar Ali (75) and Younus Khan (88) in the first-innings.
“They should have converted their innings into centuries,” he said while praising the performance of man-of-the-match Mohammad Hafeez before warning the team of complacency in the upcoming limited-overs series.
“Zimbabwe will be tough in that format and the team should not take the hosts lightly.”
Zaheer impressed with comeback
Former captain Zaheer Abbas said he was delighted to see the team fight back and win the match.
“Pakistan had an ordinary start to the Test match, which seemed to be heading towards a dull draw after a good show by the hosts,” he said. “The way the team made their comeback was a very good sign.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 6th, 2011.
COMMENTS (2)
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Do not forget Hammad Azam and Usman Salahuddin who are mentally tough and technically strong........
Do not forget Tanvir Ahmad who produces a wicket taking delivery in every over. He is a better option against Sohail Khan or Sohail Tanvir
very well done pakistan.congratulation for all team.pak ply realy very well after 3rd day and good fight back againts host after win a big margin.
i think pak evry time big problem for open the bat.pak give a chance to young wicketkeeper batsman adnan akmal.he is talented guy and able to open the bat and ply the big innings.
bequse pakistan have in dreesing room more middle order talented plyer seating and watch tha game and provide tha all things. asad shafiq,rameez raja jr is a both young plyrs is able to ply long innings.both are more defended batsman like that after 10 years pakistan found a strong bating order.
after inzammam and yousuf take a place azhar ali,asad shafiq,rameez raja jr trio are good feautre for pakistan cricket and ply long time.