The presence of Test captain Misbah ul Haq produced at least face-saving result for the green caps in the first Test, where the Misbah-led side has managed a draw after defeats in ODIs and one off T20 international. Now the pressure is on Misbah to finish off the Bangladesh tour on a high note.
Misbah has been a regular rescuer for Pakistan since 2010, pulling them out of several difficult situations. On his retirement from ODI cricket, he said, “Now I can relax”.
Pakistan had won every match against Bangladesh in the last 14 years, but this time Bangladesh came up as a surprise package for all. They broke the 14 years old jinx by winning the ODI series as well as the lone T20 international against Pakistan.
After settling for draw this time in first Test match, Pakistan’s Test skipper said, “Obviously with such a lead you want to win the game but sometimes the opposition also plays well and you have to appreciate them for such a strong comeback,” ESPN reported.
“You can’t say that we made mistakes, but it was definitely disappointing that we weren't able to produce the result [we wanted]. We had planned for a win but the [Bangladesh] openers outclassed us on the fourth day. All credit to them, they saved the Test in those last two sessions, counterattacking with 273 runs in 61 overs. That opening partnership was the game changer,” he added.
At the press conference ahead of the Test series, Misbah was bombarded with questions about the ODI and T20 series loss. He did not want to be reminded of the past, and kept insisting the importance of a fresh start. He was busy convincing everyone that ‘Pakistan in white’ is a completely different prospect.
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