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| November 16, 2006 | Thursday | Shawwal 23, 1427 |
Pakistan victory brings relief after recent crises: Younis
LAHORE, Nov 15: Pakistan vice captain Younis Khan has termed the first Test victory over the West Indies in Lahore as “a nice relief” for the controversy-hit national team after a turbulent period of almost two months. In a statement on Tuesday, Younis said: “After all that has happened to the Pakistan team in recent months, the win against West Indies in the first Test in Lahore was a nice relief for us. Obviously with what went on in England and other controversies, it’s always good to get back to doing what we do best, which is playing cricket. And the nine-wicket win over West Indies was definitely a relief.”
“It’s good for the Pakistan team and the country that we can look to move on. It always feels good to be a Pakistan cricketer when you win, we are treated very well, and especially to win inside four days is a big boost.
Praising fast bowler Umar Gul, the architect of Pakistan win, Younis said: “Umar was rightfully man of the match for his nine wickets but his performance didn’t surprise me as I am his captain at Habib Bank and I know what he can do. He took six wickets for us in the Patron’s Trophy just before the Test and should be a regular in the team.”
“There was a certain amount of pressure on him with no Shoaib and no Asif but he stood up to the task facing him. It’s nice that a youngster came through. Mohammad Yousuf also batted beautifully and 2006 has been a great year for him.
Commenting on the West Indies’ prospect of bouncing back in the three-Test series, the prolific Peshawar-born batsman said: “The West Indies have some good combinations like Chris Gayle and Ramnaresh and Brian Lara and Shivnarine Chanderpaul. There is a lot of ability in their team and I’m sure they will feel they have a lot to put right in the next match at Multan. But for sure, if we play to our potential we will win the series.”
Younis had special praise for Brian Lara’s stylish hundred which came in trying circumstances on the fourth day. “It was a nice innings and he has so many fans in Pakistan that I am pleased they were able to witness such a genius in action in our country. I could hear the crowd shouting ‘Lara is our hero’, which was nice. I enjoyed watching him, as you can learn so much from such a great player.”—Agencies
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