Hafeez and company conclude 'tough tour'
Captain Mohammad Hafeez emerged the proud recipient of two-nil series triumph over World Twenty20 champions West Indies, after Sunday's 11-run win in the final T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent.
Captain Mohammad Hafeez emerged the proud recipient of two-nil series triumph over World Twenty20 champions West Indies, after Sunday's 11-run win in the final T20I at the Arnos Vale Ground in St Vincent.
A commanding 44 from opener Ahmed Shahzad and a quickfire 46 not out from wicketkeeper-batsman Umar Akmal saw Pakistan's decision to bat first after winning the toss amount to 135 for seven.
The Windies, despite all-rounder Dwayne Bravo's patient 35 and promising cameos from pinch-hitter Sunil Narine and the hard-hitting Kieron Pollard, reached a mere 124 for nine in reply.
"This was a tough tour. Credit goes to the team and the coaches. This was a much needed win for Pakistan.We had no rest on this tour. I was comfortable with the score of 135 as we had four spinners in the team. I would like to thank Misbah for his excellent captaincy in the ODIs," said Hafeez, who took the reins from ODI skipper Misbah-ul-Haq for the weekend's fixtures.
"It is a great effort from the boys and we have been working hard. We have some match-winners in the team and I am happy that some of the youngsters are making an impression."
Spinner Zulfiqar secured the Player of the Series award on the back of five wickets in two matches, while Akmal was named Sunday's Man of the Match – thanks to a brisk vigil, which spanned a mere 36 deliveries and featured a trio of boundaries and one handsome six.
"It is the blessings of my mother and father that I have reached this far. In T20I, my idea was to contain the runs and I am glad that I got the wickets," added Babar.
"The seniors supported me well and the management also backed me. My wicketkeeping clicked in this series and that has reflected in the batting. Misbah backed me well in the ODIs. Hafeez also supported me," insisted Akmal.
Latest
-
NewsHarry Brook denied at the death as Lancashire snatch tie in Roses clash
Richard Gleeson trapped the new England call-up lbw with only one run needed for victory.
-
NewsBrendon McCullum hoping to help England Test team lose ‘fear of failure’
The former New Zealand captain is looking to improve a record which has seen England win just one of their last 17 Tests.
-
NewsBrendon McCullum: England can be the nation to reverse Test cricket’s fortunes
The former New Zealand captain has been appointed head coach of the England Test team.
-
NewsMatthew Mott: Andrew Symonds came close to playing for England over Australia
The then-teenager was offered a place on the England A tour of Pakistan in 1995 after scoring four centuries for Gloucestershire.
-
NewsStephen Eskinazi stars in record-breaking Middlesex win over Gloucestershire
Paul Stirling made the first century of the Vitality Blast season for Birmingham Bears.
-
NewsOllie Robinson’s England hopes scuppered by back problem
The seamer was plagued by persistent back issues during the Ashes series and missed all three matches against the West Indies.
-
NewsJustin Langer blames politics for Australia exit and laughs off England links
Langer was linked with one of the two vacant posts with England.
-
NewsHe deserves to be there – England’s Matthew Potts backed to shine in Test arena
Potts has received his first international call-up for the squad to face New Zealand at Lord’s on June 2.
-
NewsOn this day in 2015: Trevor Bayliss appointed England head coach
The Australian leapfrogged initial front-runner Jason Gillespie to replace the sacked Peter Moores.
-
NewsAndrew Strauss sets five-year goal for England men’s side to rule all formats
The former England captain and director of cricket is overseeing a high performance review into English cricket.