Former Pakistan skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman Rashid Latif termed it as the ‘perfect farewell’ for the two stalwarts of national cricket team after visitors claimed the historic three-match Test series victory against the West Indies at the Windsor Park in Dominica while sealing the dramatic win by 101 runs on the very last ball of the penultimate over of the series decider on May 14.
“The importance of winning the match cannot be underestimated since it made for the perfect farewell,” Latif was quoted by Express Tribune.
The duo quit in the form of Misbah, who was leading the Test team at the age of 42, with veteran batsman Younis Khan, who made the international cricket retirement announcement before the start of the Test series at the shores of Caribbean.
“The two greats could not have hoped for a better win and farewell than this; winning such a nerve-racking game, that could very easily have ended in a draw,” Latif stated.
Acrobatic behind the stumps during his career, Latif revealed the significant win in Windies has made in a treasure trove of memories for the two legends of the game, as the series would be remembered, as both hung their boots to make way for the young crop of cricketers to come in.
While hailing the timely decision of Misbah on the penultimate day of the third Test, Latif stated the latter was aware of the crunch situation of the game in which late-order resurgence from hosts had made it an exciting contest to watch out for, before Yasir Shah clean bowled Shanon Gabriel to register Pakistan’s name into record books.
“He knew they will be able to defend what they had and that was possible since Pakistan’s tail did well,” Latif revealed.
Karachi-born Latif has praised the duo for bringing stability in Pakistan’s middle-order since emerging into the international scene.
“These two are great examples of hard-working cricketers and have created perfect examples for the youngsters to follow,” Latif asserted.
The occasional leg-spinner, Latif termed the series as the big ‘achievement’ while adding both have been humble on-and-off the field, as they have crossed the hurdles which came in their ways.
“Although this West Indies side cannot be compared to those of old, it is still an achievement to win a series there,” Latif added.
Latif went on to heap some praises on fast bowler Mohammad Abbas and leg-spinner Yasir Shah, who played a pivotal role for Pakistan in the overseas series win.
“They were attacking with their bowling. Abbas was targeting the stumps with his fuller length deliveries and credit for this must be given to Azhar Mahmood,” Latif concluded.
The 48-year-old Latif in his 57 innings has scored 1,381 runs at an average of 28.77. He smashed one hundred and seven fifties. In 166 ODIs, Latif amassed 1,709 runs at an average of 19.42.