Pakistan head coach Misbah-Ul-Haq said his team’s 7-wicket win in the first Test in Karachi against South Africa was a “much-needed victory” for the side after their recent disappointing tour of New Zealand where they were white-washed 0-2 in the Test series.
They also lost the T20I series 2-1 to New Zealand last year. However, Pakistan managed to regain some form in the home Test series against South Africa, having compressively won the opening Test of the ongoing two-Test series.
The second and final Test will be played from February 4 in Rawalpindi followed by three T20Is against South Africa in Lahore.
Ahead of the Rawalpindi Test, Misbah has asked his players to not be complacent after winning the first Test as the Proteas side is a “tough team” and they “will come back hard” against the hosts.
As reported by the Associated Press, Misbah said on Monday: “It was a much-needed victory. The team came back from a difficult position, but we don’t want to be complacent. South Africa is a tough team and we know they will come back hard at us.”
Meanwhile, Misbah led Pakistan coaching staff was given another chance to prove them after 0-2 Test series loss in New Zealand but the head coach insisted that he is just focusing on winning the Proteas series, other things “are uncontrollable” so there is no point in talking about it.
He added, “My focus is on this series. We will put all our energies into this test match and see how we can win. Other things are uncontrollable and there is no point in thinking about it.”
Coming to the final Test, Karachi had a dry pitch that gave the Pakistan spinners plenty of assistance, but Misbah was not sure if the Rawalpindi wicket would be similar and the coach didn’t deny the option of having a fourth fast bowler in Haris Rauf for the final Test against South Africa.
He signed off by saying, “Haris is bowling well with the old ball. If the need arise we will see him.”
(With AP Inputs)
