Pakistan’s new all-format skipper Babar Azam was happy to term Pakistan’s elevation in the ICC Test rankings as ‘the best part of the series’ against South Africa recently. Pakistan was so good on the final day with the ball as well as during fielding going on to clinch the two-match test series 2-0 in their own backyard. The win now has pushed Pakistan above in the ICC Test Rankings to bag fifth place.
South Africa started their run chase well and was cruising at the end of day 4 at 127 for 1 with Markram and Van der Dussen well set for half-centuries. Van der Dussen was dismissed soon early on day five while Hasan Ali bowled a devastating spell to claim his second fifer in the match. Markram‘s century and Temba Bavuma’s fifty were not enough for the proteas as they lost by 95 runs.
“When You Win, It Lifts Your Confidence” – Babar Azam
Babar Azam was happy to see good signs through the victory but wanted to still improve going ahead. He expressed his joy over climbing up in the test rankings and mentioned it as the best part of the series win. He further told that it will take time for the team to gel and produce great performances and added that the series win will initiate a lot more to come.
“It’s a welcome sign but we have to further improve. It was a much-needed win and the best part of this series win is that now we are number five in Test rankings,” said Babar Azam in the post-match press conference.
“It will take time because it’s a new team. I am a new captain and we have made some changes to the squad. When you win, it lifts your confidence and I am sure this win against South Africa will help us improve,” he added.
Babar Azam Looking To Win Away From Home
Babar Azam was keen to make it big in the away tests after putting up a great performance at home. He told that this win will provide a lot of support for the team after a lot of criticism during the New Zealand tour.
“We have won at home, but we now need to win on away tours. I am sure that with time, we will do that. We lost in New Zealand and there were so many negative things said, but I am sure that now people will back us.” added Babar Azam.
