KARACHI, Oct 18: While expressing his pleasure at Pakistan’s seven-wicket victory over South Africa in the opening clash of the two-Test series in Abu Dhabi, team manager Moin Khan admitted that the job was only half done and there is still much left to be achieved for Misbah-ul-Haq’s side.
Moin, the former national captain who was a gutsy wicket-keeper during his fine international career from 1990 to 2004, warned his team that Graeme Smith-led world No 1 Test side definitely has the potential to bounce back when the two countries meet in the second Test in Dubai from Wednesday (Oct 23).
“Obviously we are over the moon at the moment because this is only Pakistan’s fourth win against them in Test history. The boys are entitled to celebrate this tremendous achievement under four days here [in Abu Dhabi] against the best Test team currently. But we must be on our guard to avoid being complacent,” Moin warned while talking to Dawn on Friday.
“Therefore it would be better for Pakistan to prepare well for the Dubai Test and not get carried away by what has been the most appropriate Eid gift for our people back home as well as abroad because we have dedicated this victory to the entire nation.
“But at the same time it is very important we keep our focus on the job ahead because a side like South Africa is capable of striking back. I’m pretty sure they would be itching to level the series despite our excellent track record at the Dubai Sports City.
“South Africa are the top-rated Test team for nothing. And even though they would be missing Hashim Amla [for family reasons] , the South Africans can be a ruthless lot and would be coming hard at us. So we have to ensure that the momentum we got here must be maintained in the next game.”
The 42-year-old Moin, who played in 69 Tests and 219 One-day Internationals, was naturally happy with the manner Pakistan played to hand the Proteas their first defeat in almost two years — the last one was at the Kingsmead in Durban when Tillekeratne Dilshan-led Sri Lanka won the Boxing Day Test of 2011 by 208 runs — to end to an unbeaten run of 15 Tests (10 wins and five draws).
“If you look at those statistics then you’ll probably rank this victory [by Pakistan] as one of the finest in our history, particularly when we were criticised heavily by all and sundry for losing to Zimbabwe [in the second Test at Harare] just a month back,” Moin stressed.
“The entire team contributed in this memorable triumph. Khurram [Manzoor] and Shan [Masood] were simply magnificent in laying the foundation of a big total that eventually made South Africa crumble under pressure in the second innings.
“Our fast bowlers bowled their hearts out in oppressive heat. I thought both Junaid [Khan] and [Mohammad] Irfan were outstanding as were the spinners. Zulfiqar [Babar] showed his vast experience and never gave the impression that he was playing in his first Test, while Saeed [Ajmal] rediscovered his magic brilliantly.
“But above all, Misbah was superb with his batting and captaincy. It was quite noticeable that his leadership skills were different to what the fans have become accustomed to in the past. Misbah set a great example by leading from the front both in the field and also while batting. He deserves to be thoroughly complimented,” Moin pointed out.
The Pakistan team manager further hinted that his side could field the same playing XI in Dubai. “Surely after a result such as this I can’t see Pakistan opting for any change for the second Test. I’m a firm believer in keeping a winning side intact, something I used to do during my tenure as the Pakistan skipper.”
Pakistan’s last Test victory over the Proteas came more than six years when Inzamam-ul-Haq’s team won by five wickets at the St George’s Park in Port Elizabeth in January 2007 when Younis Khan (67) and Kamran Akmal (57) shared an unfinished partnership of 99.
