Babar Azam Says Pakistan's Win Against South Africa Was Very Necessary

Published - 30 Jan 2021, 06:09 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 12:40 AM

Babar Azam (Credits: Twitter)

Pakistan captain Babar Azam has said that Pakistan’s win against South Africa in the first test at Karachi was very necessary after a poor show in the series against New Zealand. South Africa visited Pakistan after a break of 14 years and it did not go well for them as they would have liked. Pakistan won the first test by seven wickets to go 1-0 up in the two-test series and South Africa has a lot of work to do.

Pakistan’s oldies Fawad Alam and Nauman Ali were instrumental in the win against South Africa. Fawad Alam brought up his third test century in the first innings while Nauman Ali’s fifer on debut in the second innings closed out the doors for South Africa’s win. Pakistan’s lower order contribution was significant in the first innings while South Africa could not establish their authority after having good starts.

Poor Tour of New Zealand Made This Win Important

Pakistan had a poor series against New Zealand losing it 0-2 and it was important for them to win a game against South Africa told Azam. The results from Newzealand had raised a lot of questions on the support staff including the head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis.

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Luckily, Pakistan was able to win the first test at home which would have silenced all the critics. He also added that he felt happy to see the contribution from every player in the playing XI.

“This win was very necessary for our group. The last series in New Zealand didn’t go very well. Yes, this was in home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side. Everyone from our fast bowlers, fielders, spinners and batsmen contributed,” Babar Azam said after their win against South Africa.

“Yes, there were some rumours but they (Misbah and Waqar) weren’t worried before the start of the Test. They were just like they always are in the dressing room. Sometimes results take time, sometimes you have to realize that the series doesn’t go your way. Trick is to learn from failures and come back from it,” Babar Azam added.

Babar Azam Backs His Players To Be Confident

Babar Azam also said that he tells his players to be confident and not worry about the innings when they fail. He advices them that mistakes do happen and nothing can be perfect which will make them stay in a good frame of mind going forward.

“We have been telling the players to be confident. I don’t want them to take pressure after one innings wondering what will happen. You cannot be perfect. You will make mistakes. That’s what I and Misbah have been trying to convey to all the players. We want the players to believe in themselves and have confidence in their game,” Babar Azam stated.