Reaching new highs

There are certain victories that bring more joy and satisfaction than most other wins usually do. Pakistan’s emphatic victory in the third and final Test of the series against England in the UAE, resulting in a 2-0 series win for the hosts and a remarkable climb up the Test rankings to the number two spot, is an example of such a win. The final day of the series turned into a no-contest within the first 30 minutes of play as the visitors, resuming on the overnight score of 46 for two, crashed to 59 for six in a matter of a few overs. The last rites were administered shortly after lunch by the buoyant Pakistan bunch led astutely by Misbahul Haq, with there being every indication that the Test captain will now delay his retirement to deservedly lead the national team on foreign sojourns next year.

The series win also confirms that Pakistan’s iron-cast grip on their adopted home of the UAE is as firm as ever, with the national team yet to succumb to a series defeat here in the last five years. The Test team can surely rest on its hard-earned laurels for now. However, Misbah, while expressing his pleasure at Pakistan’s ascendance in the Test rankings, made a pertinent remark that his team needs to beat England in their own conditions next year to justify its rank. Pakistan indeed have stern challenges to face in 2016, with Tests in England, Australia and New Zealand. Their ranking, besides the technique and stature of the batsmen, who have looked like a million dollars in home conditions, is likely to be thoroughly tested. One hopes that the national team gives a solid account of its capability in alien conditions as well. An important feature of this series win was the continued phenomenal rise of leg-spinner Yasir Shah. One feels that Yasir and fast bowler Wahab Riaz will be key to any success Pakistan achieves in the backyard of opponents raging for revenge after the humiliation they have suffered in the UAE.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 7^th, 2015.

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