Pakistan's captain Babar Azam was delighted with the seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the first Test match and said that this win was necessary for the whole group.
Pakistan suffered a humiliating whitewash at the hands of New Zealand in the two-match Test series- by 101 runs in Mount Maunganui and then by innings and 176 runs in Christchurch.
Babar Azam-led side gave an invitation to lots of criticism as they didn’t put up a great show in the recently concluded New Zealand tour.
Despite being in home conditions this seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the first Test match will be a huge relief for the Pakistan contingent.
PAK v SA 2021: Babar Azam hails Fawad, Azhar and Nauman after Pakistan's comprehensive win
Discoursing the same Babar Azam said that this win was necessary for Pakistan especially after defeats in New Zealand.
"This win was very necessary for our group. The last series in New Zealand didn't go very well. Yes, this was in home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side. Everyone from our fast bowlers, fielders, spinners, and batsmen contributed," Babar Azam said during the post-match presentation.
Barbar Azam further rubbished the reports about the dressing room problems after the heavy losses in New Zealand. He added the team's focus has always been on coming back from failures.
"Yes, there were some rumors but they [Misbah and Waqar] weren't worried before the start of the Test. They were just like they always are in the dressing room. Sometimes results take time, sometimes you have to realize that the series doesn't go your way. The trick is to learn from failures and come back from them." he said.
Azam, who was captaining Pakistan for the first time in Test cricket, said that he's trying to boost the confidence and belief in the group after a tough few months on the road.
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"We have been telling the players to be confident. I don't want them to take pressure after one innings wondering what will happen. You cannot be perfect. You will make mistakes. That's what I and Misbah have been trying to convey to all the players. We want the players to believe in themselves and have confidence in their game," he said.
Babar Azam, 26, was further happy to have the pitch to his team's advantage in Karachi but kept his focus set on the bigger goals.
"My mindset is that you always have an edge in your home conditions but the confidence that you get from overseas wins is something else. It holds true for a batsman or for any team. That's what I'll try. Looking to back our players.
"When we go to different countries, they prepare pitches according to home advantage. Pitches [in Pakistan] assist spinners and going forward, they should remain balanced, supporting both bowlers and batsmen," he concluded.
The second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is set to kick start from 4th February.
(Cricbuzz Inputs)
