Sharjah: Pakistan A skipper Asad Shafiq was delighted with his team’s efforts that resulted in a sensational 153-run victory over Australia in the four-day tour match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Saturday.
“It was a good effort. We played good cricket. Win or lose, we came to play hard and serious cricket. Everyone put up his best. Overall it was a good show,” he said.
Shafiq admits that since the match wasn’t an official one it may not create much of an impact, but it does give a boost to his youngsters.
“It didn’t mean much because it wasn’t an official match, but at the back of our minds we know that it is a win and more so because two to three players in this team are in the Test team. They will get more confidence from this win,” added Shafiq, who showed the way with a spectacular unbeaten century in the first innings.
Shafiq went on to praise the two batsmen who scored centuries for his team in the second innings.
“Babar [Azam] and Haris [Sohail] helped us set a good target and our bowlers bowled exceptionally well. The pitch was a bit tricky, but we bowled well today [Saturday] and bowled to a plan. Everyone put his best effort in today,” he said.
When asked how he sees this victory from the Test match point of view, Shafiq said: “Coach Waqar Younis was here and the team management were also watching so they will think over it.”
Shafiq is also pleased at having been able to dismiss Australian skipper Michael Clarke cheaply in both innings. “It is an inspiration to get him out early. He had scored loads of runs against us so getting him out in both the innings very early was satisfying.”
What does he plan to carry from this match into the Test match? “I think our fast bowlers were very good. [Mohammad] Talha and others showed they know how to bowl reverse swing.”
