Azhar Ali said being part of No. 1 Test team his dream fulfilled
Apr 6, 2019 at 2:15 PM
Pakistan ODI captain Azhar Ali said on Wednesday that his dream of being part of the world’s best Test team was realized when Misbah-ul-Haq lead side rose to the numero uno position in the ICC Test ranking.
Earlier on Wednesday, Misbah was presented with the mace by ICC chief executive David Richardson in Lahore. The mace is presented to the bets side in the five-day format.
Misbah became Pakistan’s first captain to receive the mace from ICC.
“It is a proud moment for all of us,” said Azhar while talking to The Express Tribune. “It’s like a dream come true to be part of a Test team that is the world’s best.”
Azhar further highlighted Misbah’s leadership which was the primary reason that Pakistan, today, are the highest ranked team in Tests.
“Misbah deserves special praise for the way he has led the team,” he said. “I want to congratulate the entire country and cricket fans who have backed us,” he added.
The 31-year-old ODI captain also said that memories accumulated by the Test side under Misbah’s leadership would always be treasured by the ones who were a part of the team.
“We have had some great memories over the last six years and we will cherish them forever,” he said.
Pakistan batsman Mohammad Azhar said his 68 run innings in the second Test at Abu Dhabi when England visited the UAE in 2011 and 2011 was his best.
Pakistan in the history of Test cricket for the first time has become no 1 in Test ranking.
Pakistan in that match batting first scored 257 while England replied with 327. Pakistan wee then bowled out for 214 with only three scoring past 20 runs Azhar (68), Asad Shafiq (43) and Mohammad Hafeez (22).
However, a six-fer by left-arm spinner Abdur Rehman and off-spinner Saeed Ajmal’s three wickets helped Pakistan defeat England, who managed to score only 72 runs, with a 145 run target on the board.
“I rate my 68 in the second innings of the Abu Dhabi Test as my best match-winning performance considering how tough the game was for us and how we were able to make a stunning comeback and win that Test,” he reminisced.