Misbah grateful for match-winner Younis

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Cricket365
September 7, 2013

Captain Misbah-ul-Haq heralded the contribution of Younis Khan, after Pakistan romped to a thorough 221-run victory over Zimbabwe on day five of the first Test against Zimbabwe at the Harare Sports Club.

Khan's 200 not out – the fourth double century of a prolific career – afforded the tourists a hefty declaration on Friday. Saturday then saw the hosts bowled out for a mere 120 all out in the wake of spinners Saeed Ajmal and Abdur Rehman's four-wicket hauls.

"Younis set up the game for us. His innings completely changed the game. It was a match-winning innings from Younis. Zimbabwe won the first three and a half days, but that is the help you have when you have a senior like Younis, he changed the game," insisted Misbah.

Pakistan's triumph was not without fault. Opener Khurram Manzoor's return to the XI was marked by two failures, while opener Mohammad Hafeez managed just five and 16. Seamer Rahat Ali, was largely outshone by host seamers Tendai Chatara and Tinashe Panyangara.

We need a lot of improvement. We had not played a Test after a long time, they made us work hard, we need to be on the money from the start. First two days we were left behind, we do not want to do this again and again. They are a really, really improving side," added Misbah.

Younis was named Man of the Match despite Ajmal's haul of 11 for eight, with Saturday's four-for complementing his seven wicket in the first innings. The second and final Test will get underway at the same venue on Tuesday.

"Whenever the team needs me and I score a century, I feel good. This ranks high for me. They never gave us any easy runs. It was a nice effort from them. We want to do even better next time," concluded Khan.