We had forgotten what victory feels like. It feels great! Thank you, Misbah-ul-Haq!

[Hawkeye]

Pakistan test team was ranked #1 a few years back.

It didn't take us a long time to reach the bottom - ranked #7, under our former coach.

Our experienced campaigners and backbone of the team, Younis Khan & Misbah retired. That too probably contributed to it.

Then our veteran bowlers, Amir, Wahab also retired, leaving the team hanging.

We started losing Tests at home. Sri Lanka came, and whitewashed us.

We got thrashed in Australia, and unprecedented vile criticism got directed at the team, despite all our previous tours resulting in whitewashes since the 90s.

Excessive criticism, going to a microscopic scale, was directed at the new team management on their first tour. The man in charge, Misbah-ul-Haq got crucified and solely blamed for each and every action, be it on or off the field.

As some say, he's responsible for everything. So be it.

But the team management was on a mission.

Sarfraz got dropped. The youngest bowling attack was taken to Australia. Then the youngest bowling attack was persisted with in the series at home.

And it has paid dividends. They want to build a team. Abid Ali, Rizwan and Usman Shinwari got their debuts. Again paying off with great results.

The way this team has bounced back after their first Test series loss, the toughest they'll ever face in their careers, is highly commendable.

Who would have thought, such an inexperienced side that faced vile criticism just a few weeks ago, can undo years of darkness.

Many people here were confident PAK will lose this Test series, and some were even wishing Pakistan to lose.

To turn it all around, just in their 2nd series, means we have great things to look forward to. Of course, the team isn't perfect, we have some players who are out of form, and that needs to be worked on.

But

For now, it's time to celebrate and cheer the victory.

We had forgotten what victory feels like.

It feels great.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Congrats. A lot of posters will now jump on the Misbah bandwagon but you supported him when almost no one did.

 

[Hawkeye]

Congrats. A lot of posters will now jump on the Misbah bandwagon but you supported him when almost no one did.

They thought he's responsible for everything wrong.

When he hadn't even properly started.

Now it will be funny to see people claim he isn't responsible for this!

 

[Shazzam]

Good to see him winning a series. At least the excuses of calling this a young bowling attack will stop. I expect some more series wins now since Team Misbah is back in form.

 

[HappyWarsFan]

Glad for Misbah and the team. I am liking Misbah as test coach so far, a few selections I'm not happy with (the Haris for fawad one, and picking Yasir) but most of his team and strategy is good especially for Asia. Right now we need to build confidence by winning at home.

 

[BreadPakoda]

Glad for Misbah and the team. I am liking Misbah as test coach so far, a few selections I'm not happy with (the Haris for fawad one, and picking Yasir) but most of his team and strategy is good especially for Asia. Right now we need to build confidence by winning at home.

He will drop Yasir eventually. He actually tried doing but the public pounced on him. They won’t do it again.

 

[Hawkeye]

Good to see him winning a series. At least the excuses of calling this a young bowling attack will stop. I expect some more series wins now since Team Misbah is back in form.

What?

Two young teenagers just took 5-wicket hauls, first time in history!

That's what happens when you back and develop players. They got all sort of criticism after Aus.

 

[Hawkeye]

He will drop Yasir eventually. He actually tried doing but the public pounced on him. They won’t do it again.

Yeah, Yasir is on his last ropes I feel.

They released him from the squad temporarily as well so Mushtaq can work on him. Doesn't look like it worked.

This management is very open to making bold moves and experimentation. I like it.

 

[Shazzam]

What?

Two young teenagers just took 5-wicket hauls, first time in history!

That's what happens when you back and develop players. They got all sort of criticism after Aus.

True since these youngsters are capable of taking five wicket hauls they should be treated like men now. Glad that excuse ended in this series win.

 

[Hawkeye]

True since these youngsters are capable of taking five wicket hauls they should be treated like men now. Glad that excuse ended in this series win.

If you mean they should take 5 wicket hauls in every match, in all the conditions, then that won't happen.

They're still not super experienced and are developing. Not finished products.

 

[Abdul]

Good thread. His haters will continue hating on him though. A tail never gets straight.

 

[Shazzam]

If you mean they should take 5 wicket hauls in every match, in all the conditions, then that won't happen.

They're still not super experienced and are developing. Not finished products.

This is not the first time Shaheen has shown the potential of taking five wicket hauls. In the World Cup he took 6 wickets in one game. The dude always had potential. Even in Australia he was our best fast bowler. But yet we kept hearing the lame excuses this is a young bowling attack give it time. Well if this series win proves anything than its that these youngsters do indeed have potential. I think we are ready to call Shaheen our ace bowler and should no longer treat him as a youngster. As for the other one yeah give him time. Abbas and Yasir are by no means young.

 

[JibranAnsari]

Thank you misbah.

 

[MenInG]

Well done to Misbah - like it or not, he knows how to win on home pitches.

Now we need Bangladesh to play ball and come to Pakistan...

 

[Hyperion66]

Congratulations [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] ji, you are one of the sanest voices in this forum populated mostly by fickle college kids. The way you held your head high and stood your ground against the herd of Shitz shoveling nincompoops and never lost your composure was particularly impressive.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Why do people even hate Misbah?

The guy captained our side at one of our darkest times as a cricketing nation. He took us to no.1 no matter for how long we actually stayed there but he made us near invincible at home.

People who hate Misbah are probably Afridi fans. The only reason they hate him is because of the 2011 CWC.

 

[shah_1]

The good thing was that we didn't take 20 wickets due to spin bowlers. We got to dump the UAE approach if we are to compete in test cricket

 

[Sidilicious]

Congrats on winning your home test and more importantly on hosting a series.

 

[Hawkeye]

The good thing was that we didn't take 20 wickets due to spin bowlers. We got to dump the UAE approach if we are to compete in test cricket

Yes.

He read the conditions perfectly. People roasted him even for going with this pace strategy.

But, a spinner, a quality one, is also required and I've heard they're searching really hard for someone who can replace Yasir.

 

[Hawkeye]

Congratulations [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] ji, you are one of the sanest voices in this forum populated mostly by fickle college kids. The way you held your head high and stood your ground against the herd of Shitz shoveling nincompoops and never lost your composure was particularly impressive.

Thank you [MENTION=148927]Hyperion66[/MENTION] brother. When such excessive and unfair drivel gets directed at only one guy, you learn to ignore most of it.

 

[Shazzam]

People who hate Misbah are probably Afridi fans. The only reason they hate him is because of the 2011 CWC.

Please don’t compare the most electrifying man in Pakistan cricket to this bore of a batsmen.

 

[Globama]

Congrats to Pakistani fans

 

[IAJ]

Great win! Credit goes to the players.

You can’t praise the coach after just one win and you can’t blame him either after one loss. But he has lost many serieses since taking over so him to get the credit he needs to win many serieses. If this is not fair assesment then you are either biased or a hater.

 

[HuzaifaE]

Commending Misbah for this? surely this is satire?

 

[IAJ]

Edit #23. Same rule apllies to the players as well of course.

 

[Blistering Barnacle]

Lol at Hawkeye. When the team does badly, it's nothing to do with Misbah. When the team finally wins, it's all thanks to Misbah.

 

[Hawkeye]

Great win! Credit goes to the players.

You can’t praise the coach after just one win and you can’t blame him either after one loss. But he has lost many serieses since taking over so him to get the credit he needs to win many serieses. If this is not fair assesment then you are either biased or a hater.

What are you on about?

First series - beat and whitewashed SL in ODIs. We've lost only one meaningless T20 series, yes. And an away loss in Aus, which was the expected result no matter who you took there.

The thing is, people held him responsible for the series loss in Aus. That's mindblowing.

He gets hate and abuse for everything that some PPers don't like.


And, the way our tactics were in this series - first, the bowling attack focused on pacers, then strangling SL and dominating the Test.

This hasn't happened in years. We had been clueless in Tests. There's credit due.

Overall, you're right that one person can't be blamed for everything. But people did blame him. And will not give him credit for helping turn things around.

 

[Hawkeye]

Why do people even hate Misbah?

The guy captained our side at one of our darkest times as a cricketing nation. He took us to no.1 no matter for how long we actually stayed there but he made us near invincible at home.

People who hate Misbah are probably Afridi fans. The only reason they hate him is because of the 2011 CWC.

The last line is the only reason.

[MENTION=43242]Dr_Bassim[/MENTION] had summed it up perfectly. A group of people hate him only for that reason and hold grudges, that's why they're unable to see anything good.

 

[Ronaldo7]

Please don’t compare the most electrifying man in Pakistan cricket to this bore of a batsmen.

Just coz he could hit 2-3 sixes he became an "electrifying" man. No wonder why our batting standards are so low.

 

[IAJ]

What are you on about?

First series - beat and whitewashed SL in ODIs. We've lost only one meaningless T20 series, yes. And an away loss in Aus, which was the expected result no matter who you took there.

The thing is, people held him responsible for the series loss in Aus. That's mindblowing.

He gets hate and abuse for everything that some PPers don't like.


And, the way our tactics were in this series - first, the bowling attack focused on pacers, then strangling SL and dominating the Test.

This hasn't happened in years. We had been clueless in Tests. There's credit due.

Overall, you're right that one person can't be blamed for everything. But people did blame him. And will not give him credit for helping turn things around.

No, he simply does not deserve credit at the monent. If he keeps winning like this, even the haters will turn you will see.

Lol, about the focus changing to fast bowlers. Misbah went in with Yasir Shah hoping for some 5-fors from him like in UAE. That was his first mistake in this match. The fast bowlers have been talented for some years now and credit goes to their coaches, Waqar, NCA etc.

Don’t know if you are a blind lover, a troll in disguise or you have hacked Major’s account, but I will not take your posts seriously unless you are more balanced in your posts.

 

[Hasan123]

A lot of hard work to do before you start thanking Misbah.

 

[Hawkeye]

@IAJ, you're entitled to believe whatever you want.

I wonder where were you when the hate was directed at this new management in their first away tour, the toughest one, and didn't come to say he's not responsible. Then you also misrepresent facts by saying "he lost many series" - again, first it is false, and then you blame only one person by saying "he'.

Cheers mate.

 

[Hawkeye]

A lot of hard work to do before you start thanking Misbah.

Definitely more work is needed, as the target is to become a top Test team again.

We are at least at a stage where the dark era is over, have some sane tactics to use and apply in Tests. Have dominated a Test in a long time.

Not utterly clueless like the last few years.

 

[Hasan123]

Definitely more work is needed, as the target is to become a top Test team again.

We are at least at a stage where the dark era is over, have some sane tactics to use and apply in Tests. Have dominated a Test in a long time.

Not utterly clueless like the last few years.

Winning 1 game doesn't mean a dark era is over. Misbah time as coach so far has been a joke. We need to win more games and perform better before you start doing banghra.

 

[Shazzam]

Just coz he could hit 2-3 sixes he became an "electrifying" man. No wonder why our batting standards are so low.

Our batting standards are low cause we play timid. And we know which batsmen used to master that craft of batting.

 

[mgtow]

Misbah got lucky since the loss in Ausltealia pressurized Misbah to get the youngs rolling and made needed changes.
Even Fawad Alam was the decision of the pressure from the Awaam.

If it wasn’t the pressure from Awaam, Misbah was alone capable of causing endless defeats as he was known for citing his choking hazards.

 

[Usman Chadda]

[MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] is going to run amok over the next few days

Congratulations to Misbah for leading us to a brilliant win on our home soil

 

[Abdullah]

My goodness me. Self righteous chest banging in progress.
As I said before the series, whichever tipn7 we put out would score enough runs at home and Shaheen and Abbas are our best bowlers regardless of a few average games.
It's overseas where misbah will be judged.

And before we start saying Mickey was losing at home, he lost 2 terrible games where we couldn't chase 135 and 165 which cost us series wins.
Even in those times he was investing in the likes of Babar imam Shan haris, the fruits of which misbah needs to sow ( without ripping up it up ( like he has in T20s and overseas tests)

Anyway in terms of a team composition, this is the optimal team with the biggest question marks over our 3 most experienced players-just like the Mickey days

 

[Abdullah]

Definitely more work is needed, as the target is to become a top Test team again.

We are at least at a stage where the dark era is over, have some sane tactics to use and apply in Tests. Have dominated a Test in a long time.

Not utterly clueless like the last few years.

I'm going to keep pulling you up on this.
The last home series we beat Aus and drew with NZ ( the NZ series we won 12-13 days across the series. A ridiculous chase of 170 cost us that series.)

So stop behaving like we learnt how to play at home now that misbah is back.

In terms of away Mickey strategy was better than what we have seen from Misbah so far, hopefully misbah will change it

 

[Shazzam]

My goodness me. Self righteous chest banging in progress.
As I said before the series, whichever tipn7 we put out would score enough runs at home and Shaheen and Abbas are our best bowlers regardless of a few average games.
It's overseas where misbah will be judged.

And before we start saying Mickey was losing at home, he lost 2 terrible games where we couldn't chase 135 and 165 which cost us series wins.
Even in those times he was investing in the likes of Babar imam Shan haris, the fruits of which misbah needs to sow ( without ripping up it up ( like he has in T20s and overseas tests)

Anyway in terms of a team composition, this is the optimal team with the biggest question marks over our 3 most experienced players-just like the Mickey days

Yeah oddly enough I am not that satisfied with this win. That loss against Australia still bites. Unless these batsmen perform overseas I won’t fall for the hype. At least now they can lay the excuses to rest that this is a young bowling unit and Azhar needing one big innings to turn it around. The bowlers performed and Azhar performed. Now whats needed is consistency. Otherwise this win means nothing.

 

[Mamoon]

You have to question the state of Pakistan cricket when we do bhangra and perform cartwheels after beating Sri Lanka at home.

The people get upset when you call Pakistan a minnow team supported by minnow fans.

 

[in_cutter]

You have to question the state of Pakistan cricket when we do bhangra and perform cartwheels after beating Sri Lanka at home.

The people get upset when you call Pakistan a minnow team supported by minnow fans.

India has been regularly thrashing SL at home....didn’t see you complain about that hehe.

No need for negativity man. Let them enjoy a welcome Test series win at home.

 

[Mamoon]

India has been regularly thrashing SL at home....didn’t see you complain about that hehe.

No need for negativity man. Let them enjoy a welcome Test series win at home.

Are we seriously comparing ourselves to India? They trash Sri Lanka at home but they are also number 1.

Yes yes I know, we will also be number 1 if we play our home matches in Pakistan.

 

[in_cutter]

Are we seriously comparing ourselves to India? They trash Sri Lanka at home but they are also number 1.

Yes yes I know, we will also be number 1 if we play our home matches in Pakistan.

So it’s okay for Ind to thrash SL at home because they are num1 and not Pak?

Why are you so negative..always?

 

[Shafi]

Over-reaction by a blind Misbah fan as usual.
When was the last time we won a test match? 20 years back?

 

[Mamoon]

So it’s okay for Ind to thrash SL at home because they are num1 and not Pak?

Why are you so negative..always?

I am not negative or positive. Things are what they are. Pakistan is a pathetic team and I am not happy about it.

Beating the likes of Sri Lanka mean nothing when you don’t have the quality to be a top 3 Test side. Besides, India fans hardly care about beating Sri Lanka at home because their aim is to be beat all sides.

Our fans are in the clouds after beating Sri Lanka because it one of the few teams that we can actually beat. That is the difference.

 

[Junaids]

You beat a really, really poor Sri Lankan team.

And just as their last series win against you owed a lot to the toss, this did too.

Don’t get carried away.

I wrote three weeks ago that Mickey Arthur would far rather coach Pakistan than Sri Lanka: no other country in the world has the emerging pace talent that Pakistan has.

Nothing has changed.

In fact, Pakistan won in spite of having two players - Azhar Ali and Haris Sohail - who between them have only reached 20 in 3 out 14 Test innings this year!

 

[Mamoon]

After the Bangladesh series, we are playing 3 Tests in England and 2 in New Zealand.

Someone please explain why I should burst with optimism and delight.

 

[Mainul]

Nothing to glorify Misbah. He will make Pakistan down

 

[Shazzam]

After the Bangladesh series, we are playing 3 Tests in England and 2 in New Zealand.

Someone please explain why I should burst with optimism and delight.

Still find it shocking that we forgot the humiliation defeat in Australia. The low standards are worrying.

 

[Mamoon]

Still find it shocking that we forgot the humiliation defeat in Australia. The low standards are worrying.

When a team becomes a minnow, so do the fans.

A wise man once said.

 

[Ajjerz]

Congrats to Pakistani fans

You have to question the state of Pakistan cricket when we do bhangra and perform cartwheels after beating Sri Lanka at home.

The people get upset when you call Pakistan a minnow team supported by minnow fans.

Sri Lanka are a decent test team, they may not be Australia or Inida, but neither are we. They were the 1st Asia team to defeat s. Africa away from home. So what is wrong in celebrating this win. The 90s superstars lost home series to Sri lanka so by all mean Pak fans celebrate and enjoy this moment. Mammon is just a full time pessimist, it's getting boring now mate.

 

[Hawkeye]

I am not negative or positive. Things are what they are. Pakistan is a pathetic team and I am not happy about it.

Beating the likes of Sri Lanka mean nothing .

Mamoon before the Test series:

"We're not capable of beating Sri Lanka. We're a cr*ap team and will be humiliated. They're a strong side.

Beat SA in SA.

We're only going to do go down further".


After the victory:

"This win means nothing. Pathetic team, I'm not happy about it."

)

 

[KingOfPakBreakfast]

Firstly congrats to the Pakistan team and the public. It's great to win anytime, especially for a team in transition, like Misbah's Pakistan.

I'd like to take a slightly measured tone to this victory, somewhere between [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] 's giddy optimism and [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] 's tiresome negativity.

This is an impressive win for sure. Many positives have come out here, especially for the bowling attack including:

1) The emergence of Nasim Shah as a test option. The confidence gained from the 5 wicket haul will spur him on to becoming a mainstay in the side, InshAllah. Just needs to concentrate on cutting out the semi-regular boundary balls that he bowls. Whilst some of these are due to searching for swing, there are also those where he strays in line. Again, this is very fixable.

2) Shaheen Shah Afridi is now bowling in test cricket with a sense of responsibility, despite being so young. This shows maturity and indicates that, if he continues on this path, in 2 years time he will be the unquestioned spearhead of Pakistan's attack. Some may say he's already there, but the England tour will demonstrate if that's the case.

3)Mohammed Abbas showed signs of getting back into rhythm. His county stint will further help in that, and hopefully we get the best Abbas in England.

4) Despite the negativity around Yasir Shah, there were signs in this match that he's (albeit slowly) beginning to get his rhythm and his test length back. Despite Shah's lack of wickets, he also brings to the table a positive energy, work ethic and fighting spirit that are SO beneficial in a team environment. InshAllah once he comes good (InshAllah he will again), it will greatly help the team.

Batting wise, very refreshing to see Abid Ali cement his place on the team. The jury will remain out on Azhar and Shafiq until they get relevant scores overseas. Shan Masood remains a conundrum, in that you feel Pakistan can do better, but are there any standout replacements? Imam's issues with the short ball remain, whilst Sami Aslam has to strengthen his mentality.

Haris Sohail's form remains an issue, and along with Shan, feels the most under the microscope. Fawad Alam is waiting in the wings.

Babar on the other hand is Babar, and InshAllah long may it continue.

Regarding the rest of it, one feels that Misbah is still searching to fully develop his own selection policies. His squads thus far have been somewhat predictable with a couple of interesting/puzzling selections. This series and hopefully the Bangladesh one will help him determine the core of the Test side.

He still has issues with the limited overs squad selection. However, the one thing he does have is a rich squad of quick for every format. It will be crucial that he manages them well, picking certain bowlers for certain formats. I look forward to doing a separate, detailed post on this subject, including looking at specific names.

 

[Hawkeye]

Over-reaction by a blind Misbah fan as usual.
When was the last time we won a test match? 20 years back?

You're the same guy who was claiming SL will beat us, and there is no way PAK can win against this SL side.

And that you will change your mind if we beat SL.

Now, the hate in you is so excessive that you've forgotten your words. A thorough, dominant victory and still you're burning with hate.

Just accept the humble pie, be happy, and move on. We won despite you wishing we lose and claiming we will lose.

We declare this match too early. SL has good batting line up and may win this match.

 

[ads101]

I like him as a chief selector, definitely progressive. Still not sold on him as a coach yet, has been great in times but also worrying at times.

One thing is clear, definitely don't regret moving on from Mickey. Mickey had his time, we were languishing around 7th at the end of his spell. Gave us a CT win which I'll always be grateful for, but after a long coaching stint was time to move on and try something new.

 

[in_cutter]

Over-reaction by a blind Misbah fan as usual.
When was the last time we won a test match? 20 years back?

Here come the cry babies.

 

[Shazzam]

When a team becomes a minnow, so do the fans.

A wise man once said.

I wish that wise man was our Prime Minister. Cause when I read the thread title it gave me the impression we never win. Hence fourth a minnow mentality.

 

[Shafi]

You're the same guy who was claiming SL will beat us, and there is no way PAK can win against this SL side.

And that you will change your mind if we beat SL.

Now, the hate in you is so excessive that you've forgotten your words. A thorough, dominant victory and still you're burning with hate.

Just accept the humble pie, be happy, and move on. We won despite you wishing we lose and claiming we will lose.

Lets see how many matches we win against NZ and England.
Its good to win a match against SL but don't forget the way we loose to Australia.
I wish all the best to Misbah and our team.
But don't find excuse if we loose miserably to England or NZ.

 

[Hawkeye]

Sri Lanka are a decent test team, they may not be Australia or Inida, but neither are we. They were the 1st Asia team to defeat s. Africa away from home. So what is wrong in celebrating this win. The 90s superstars lost home series to Sri lanka so by all mean Pak fans celebrate and enjoy this moment. Mammon is just a full time pessimist, it's getting boring now mate.

Not to mention, we got whitewashed by SL at our home, last time we played them.

Before this series, everyone was claiming we'll easily lose this series, as SL is a strong side and beat SA in SA.

 

[Shafi]

Here come the cry babies.

Ok, celebrate this win for next couple of years then.

 

[Hawkeye]

Lets see how many matches we win against NZ and England.
Its good to win a match against SL but don't forget the way we loose to Australia.
I wish all the best to Misbah and our team.
But don't find excuse if we loose miserably to England or NZ.

I would expect us to be competitive in ENG.

NZ is a tricky place for us historically. Have realistic expectations. We're not the top 2 Test teams in the world yet. We can't become one overnight or in just a few weeks. If we're competitive even in NZ then we can claim to be the best Team team in the world.

 

[ads101]

You're the same guy who was claiming SL will beat us, and there is no way PAK can win against this SL side.

And that you will change your mind if we beat SL.

Now, the hate in you is so excessive that you've forgotten your words. A thorough, dominant victory and still you're burning with hate.

Just accept the humble pie, be happy, and move on. We won despite you wishing we lose and claiming we will lose.

The sad thing is people hate Misbah so much they actually want Pakistan to lose. Some even want us to lose to prove that we couldn't achieve anything above no.7 and we were mistaken to let Mickey go.

I wanted Mickey out, but I was initially thrilled with his appointment, really happy at the CT win, and only really wanted him out at the end of his stint where to me it seemed like the wheels had fallen off, players were losing form. And I don't recall many people against Mickey wanted Pakistan to lose anyway.

I get people don't like Misbah, yes his appointment is dubious in some people's eyes I get that. But actually to want Pakistan to lose because it's Misbah, I don't understand. Pakistan team is more than just Misbah.

 

[emranabbas]

Is this thread for real lol...

You know this thread will be bumpable in the coming months haha

 

[in_cutter]

Lets see how many matches we win against NZ and England.
Its good to win a match against SL but don't forget the way we loose to Australia.
I wish all the best to Misbah and our team.
But don't find excuse if we loose miserably to England or NZ.

So we shouldn’t be celebrating a Test series win at HOME for years? Stop being so miserable man. I can bet you were wishing SL would beat us. Sorry for the disappointment. Your hate for one man is messing with your head. Let it go.

 

[in_cutter]

Ok, celebrate this win for next couple of years then.

Ok. Be miserable. You are clearly upset with this win.

 

[Shafi]

The sad thing is people hate Misbah so much they actually want Pakistan to lose. Some even want us to lose to prove that we couldn't achieve anything above no.7 and we were mistaken to let Mickey go.

I wanted Mickey out, but I was initially thrilled with his appointment, really happy at the CT win, and only really wanted him out at the end of his stint where to me it seemed like the wheels had fallen off, players were losing form. And I don't recall many people against Mickey wanted Pakistan to lose anyway.

I get people don't like Misbah, yes his appointment is dubious in some people's eyes I get that. But actually to want Pakistan to lose because it's Misbah, I don't understand. Pakistan team is more than just Misbah.

We don't have anything against Misbah. But we never like Misbah's love for useless oldies, TTF and friends.
If he acts honest and play best available players and win matches we all will be happy

 

[Waleed93]

Instead of celebrating the return of cricket in Pakistan, some people are actually celebrating a win over Sri Lanka as if we just won the WTC.

Of course, some credit needs to go to Misbah, but we need to remember that this is his first victory across formats since coming back to Pakistan cricket. I respect him as a player and as a captain, but it's not like we were ranked 1st when he retired. Our ranking was very similar to today's ranking.

We also lost the T20Is against Sri Lanka with Msibah at the helm, we lost 2 Tests in Australia by huge margin with Misbah at the helm.
One victory at home against Sri Lanka doesn't make him any kind of saviour. He can definitely help us stay invicible at home, but the overall performance will probably remain the same, and unless our rankings don't improve in ODIs and Tests and unless we don't have a good run in the WT20, there is absolutely no need to make Misbah look like Woolmer.

 

[Shafi]

Ok. Be miserable. You are clearly upset with this win.

I am happy to see our team win but we want to see our team win against big teams as well not only team like SL, BD or WI

 

[Ami]

Nice one hawkeye...!
'chittars in the face', including me...lol.
Lets hope he sorts out Haris Sohail and Yasir Shah now.
...and please bring in Shinwari, Hasnain, Musa and Rauf to ease pressure on the 2 kids.
Well done!

 

[ads101]

We don't have anything against Misbah. But we never like Misbah's love for useless oldies, TTF and friends.
If he acts honest and play best available players and win matches we all will be happy

Sorry I quoted Hawkeye who was quoting you. Didn't mean you personally. I'm ok for people to dislike Misbah. Just regarding some posts by others I've seen on the forum.

 

[Shafi]

Instead of celebrating the return of cricket in Pakistan, some people are actually celebrating a win over Sri Lanka as if we just won the WTC.

Of course, some credit needs to go to Misbah, but we need to remember that this is his first victory across formats since coming back to Pakistan cricket. I respect him as a player and as a captain, but it's not like we were ranked 1st when he retired. Our ranking was very similar to today's ranking.

We also lost the T20Is against Sri Lanka with Msibah at the helm, we lost 2 Tests in Australia by huge margin with Misbah at the helm.
One victory at home against Sri Lanka doesn't make him any kind of saviour. He can definitely help us stay invicible at home, but the overall performance will probably remain the same, and unless our rankings don't improve in ODIs and Tests and unless we don't have a good run in the WT20, there is absolutely no need to make Misbah look like Woolmer.

Well said!!!!
But Misbah's blind fans "Why you hate Misbah? You are not happy with the win"

 

[Shafi]

Nice one hawkeye...!
'chittars in the face', including me...lol.
Lets hope he sorts out Haris Sohail and Yasir Shah now.
...and please bring in Shinwari, Hasnain, Musa and Rauf to ease pressure on the 2 kids.
Well done!

Shinwari and Musa are rubbish. Rauf has future but he is very arrogant, Hasnain and Nasim are ok as well.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Pakistan test team was ranked #1 a few years back.

It didn't take us a long time to reach the bottom - ranked #7, under our former coach.

Our experienced campaigners and backbone of the team, Younis Khan & Misbah retired. That too probably contributed to it.

Then our veteran bowlers, Amir, Wahab also retired, leaving the team hanging.

We started losing Tests at home. Sri Lanka came, and whitewashed us.

We got thrashed in Australia, and unprecedented vile criticism got directed at the team, despite all our previous tours resulting in whitewashes since the 90s.

Excessive criticism, going to a microscopic scale, was directed at the new team management on their first tour. The man in charge, Misbah-ul-Haq got crucified and solely blamed for each and every action, be it on or off the field.

As some say, he's responsible for everything. So be it.

But the team management was on a mission.

Sarfraz got dropped. The youngest bowling attack was taken to Australia. Then the youngest bowling attack was persisted with in the series at home.

And it has paid dividends. They want to build a team. Abid Ali, Rizwan and Usman Shinwari got their debuts. Again paying off with great results.

The way this team has bounced back after their first Test series loss, the toughest they'll ever face in their careers, is highly commendable.

Who would have thought, such an inexperienced side that faced vile criticism just a few weeks ago, can undo years of darkness.

Many people here were confident PAK will lose this Test series, and some were even wishing Pakistan to lose.

To turn it all around, just in their 2nd series, means we have great things to look forward to. Of course, the team isn't perfect, we have some players who are out of form, and that needs to be worked on.

But

For now, it's time to celebrate and cheer the victory.

We had forgotten what victory feels like.

It feels great.

Not really

We won against AUS, we beat ENG at Lord's under Mickey

If Misbah fans are happy about just beating SL at home then God save our cricket. This is the standard we are setting for ourselves

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Well said!!!!
But Misbah's blind fans "Why you hate Misbah? You are not happy with the win"

I don't want to be a Misbah hater but this win will do more harm than good

We will end up beating BD and SL and giving this joker an extension for two more years.

 

[Bleedgreen4ever]

Here come the cry babies.

I remember we defeated AUS in a series just one year ago

What drama is this?

 

[in_cutter]

Instead of celebrating the return of cricket in Pakistan, some people are actually celebrating a win over Sri Lanka as if we just won the WTC.

Of course, some credit needs to go to Misbah, but we need to remember that this is his first victory across formats since coming back to Pakistan cricket. I respect him as a player and as a captain, but it's not like we were ranked 1st when he retired. Our ranking was very similar to today's ranking.

We also lost the T20Is against Sri Lanka with Msibah at the helm, we lost 2 Tests in Australia by huge margin with Misbah at the helm.
One victory at home against Sri Lanka doesn't make him any kind of saviour. He can definitely help us stay invicible at home, but the overall performance will probably remain the same, and unless our rankings don't improve in ODIs and Tests and unless we don't have a good run in the WT20, there is absolutely no need to make Misbah look like Woolmer.

Get it right. Celebrating a return to cricket in AND a Test series win in front of a home crowd. Is there something wrong with that? Are you not happy that the public was able to witness this?

 

[in_cutter]

I don't want to be a Misbah hater but this win will do more harm than good

We will end up beating BD and SL and giving this joker an extension for two more years.

So you want the team to lose? Bravo!! Some ‘fan’ you are.

EVERY team has home advantage..look around. I can confidently say we would thrash any of the big boys in Pakistan like we have been doing in the UAE.

 

[Hawkeye]

The sad thing is people hate Misbah so much they actually want Pakistan to lose. Some even want us to lose to prove that we couldn't achieve anything above no.7 and we were mistaken to let Mickey go.

I wanted Mickey out, but I was initially thrilled with his appointment, really happy at the CT win, and only really wanted him out at the end of his stint where to me it seemed like the wheels had fallen off, players were losing form. And I don't recall many people against Mickey wanted Pakistan to lose anyway.

I get people don't like Misbah, yes his appointment is dubious in some people's eyes I get that. But actually to want Pakistan to lose because it's Misbah, I don't understand. Pakistan team is more than just Misbah.

Yep, good post. For one group of posters, everything bad = Misbah, which is a deep-rooted grudge from 2011 where they think he was responsible for everything. So, anything they don't like, they associate with him, out of hate and bias.

I had supported Mickey until CT as well, but the shambolic record after that, Asia Cup thrashing, and us losing Tests at home as well, was enough for me. He had no tactics for Tests.

Is this thread for real lol...

You know this thread will be bumpable in the coming months haha

Welcome to the thread!

 

[Abdullah]

Firstly congrats to the Pakistan team and the public. It's great to win anytime, especially for a team in transition, like Misbah's Pakistan.

I'd like to take a slightly measured tone to this victory, somewhere between [MENTION=134608]Hawkeye[/MENTION] 's giddy optimism and [MENTION=131701]Mamoon[/MENTION] 's tiresome negativity.

This is an impressive win for sure. Many positives have come out here, especially for the bowling attack including:

1) The emergence of Nasim Shah as a test option. The confidence gained from the 5 wicket haul will spur him on to becoming a mainstay in the side, InshAllah. Just needs to concentrate on cutting out the semi-regular boundary balls that he bowls. Whilst some of these are due to searching for swing, there are also those where he strays in line. Again, this is very fixable.

2) Shaheen Shah Afridi is now bowling in test cricket with a sense of responsibility, despite being so young. This shows maturity and indicates that, if he continues on this path, in 2 years time he will be the unquestioned spearhead of Pakistan's attack. Some may say he's already there, but the England tour will demonstrate if that's the case.

3)Mohammed Abbas showed signs of getting back into rhythm. His county stint will further help in that, and hopefully we get the best Abbas in England.

4) Despite the negativity around Yasir Shah, there were signs in this match that he's (albeit slowly) beginning to get his rhythm and his test length back. Despite Shah's lack of wickets, he also brings to the table a positive energy, work ethic and fighting spirit that are SO beneficial in a team environment. InshAllah once he comes good (InshAllah he will again), it will greatly help the team.

Batting wise, very refreshing to see Abid Ali cement his place on the team. The jury will remain out on Azhar and Shafiq until they get relevant scores overseas. Shan Masood remains a conundrum, in that you feel Pakistan can do better, but are there any standout replacements? Imam's issues with the short ball remain, whilst Sami Aslam has to strengthen his mentality.

Haris Sohail's form remains an issue, and along with Shan, feels the most under the microscope. Fawad Alam is waiting in the wings.

Babar on the other hand is Babar, and InshAllah long may it continue.

Regarding the rest of it, one feels that Misbah is still searching to fully develop his own selection policies. His squads thus far have been somewhat predictable with a couple of interesting/puzzling selections. This series and hopefully the Bangladesh one will help him determine the core of the Test side.

He still has issues with the limited overs squad selection. However, the one thing he does have is a rich squad of quick for every format. It will be crucial that he manages them well, picking certain bowlers for certain formats. I look forward to doing a separate, detailed post on this subject, including looking at specific names.

Sensible and responsible post!!
I don't agree with % but look forward your detailed post