Shafiq repays the faith
Coach Waqar Younis insisted batsman Asad Shafiq's selection was justified, as Pakistan climbed to a promising total of 261 four for on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Coach Waqar Younis insisted batsman Asad Shafiq's selection was justified, as Pakistan climbed to a promising total of 261 four for on day one of the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle on Wednesday.
Selected ahead of the talented Shan Masood and resurgent Umar Akmal, Shafiq orchestrated a fighting 55 not out during a superb 105-run alliance alongside centurion Younis Khan.
Capitalising against a host attack featuring two changes in fast bowlers Dhammika Prasad and Shaminda Eranga, the confident right-hander struck six boundaries and a solitary six during a telling 110-delivery vigil.
"Any coach or captain will be proud of that. It all boiled down to experience. Younis has tons of it and so does captain Misbah-ul-Haq. There was a lot of talk at home of whether Asad deserved to be in the side. He showed here that he belongs to the highest level," said Waqar.
Younis was pleased Misbah's decision to bat first after winning the toss reaped reward, despite the early departures of openers Ahmed Shehzad and Khurram Manzoor for a mere four and three respectively.
"With so much rain around, there is bound to be some juice in the wicket and I thought we were very bold to bat first. That paid off because the wicket eased up by afternoon," he added.
Latest
-
News5 things that caught the eye on the opening night of The Hundred
Kate Cross was in scorching form for Manchester Originals.
-
NewsThe Hundred finally takes its bow as debate rages on over game’s new competition
The Oval Invincibles won after delivering a thrilling contest with the Manchester Originals.
-
NewsDane van Niekerk leads Oval Invincibles to win as The Hundred begins with a bang
Oval Invincibles got the better of Manchester Originals on a thrilling night at the Kia Oval.
-
NewsSam Billings expects new generation of stars to emerge from The Hundred
Billings will lead his franchise in the first-ever game of the 100-ball tournament.
-
NewsOllie Robinson recalled to England squad for first two Tests against India
The Sussex seamer was banned for a series of offensive historic tweets.
-
NewsJason Roy plays down World Cup talk after thrilling win over Pakistan
Pundit and Test bowler Stuart Broad tipped England for victory this October after their last-over success at Old Trafford.
-
NewsEngland squeeze home in final T20 to claim series win over Pakistan
The hosts chased 155 with two balls remaining.
-
NewsAdil Rashid career-best figures help England restrict Pakistan to 154 in decider
Leg-spinner Rashid worked his magic with four for 35.
-
NewsThe key match-ups to watch in the early rounds of The Hundred
Joe Root v Ben Stokes, Jason Roy v Jos Buttler and Jofra Archer v Jonny Bairstow are among the match-ups of England Test players.
-
NewsKatherine Brunt happy to be a part of The Hundred as tournament kick-off nears
The 36-year-old is excited for the new 100-ball tournament to begin this week.