ABU DHABI: Misbah-ul-Haq termed Pakistan’s upset win over top-ranked South Africa “unbelievable” after his side’s embarrassing loss to minnows Zimbabwe recently.
Saeed Ajmal (4-74) was superbly supported by left-arm paceman Junaid Khan (3-57) and fellow spinner Zulfiqar Babar (2-51) as South Africa collapsed to 232 in their second innings on the fourth day at Sheikh Zayed Stadium.
That left Pakistan to score 40 runs for their overall fourth win over South Africa and take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Pakistan made heavy weather of the small target losing openers Shan Masood (nought), Azhar Ali (three) and Khurram Manzoor (four) in the space of seven runs by the fourth over.
Senior batsmen Younis Khan (9) and Misbah-ul Haq (28) were left to see off the target with the Pakistan captain deservedly hitting the winning six.
“It's really unbelievable and a much-needed win for us. A win is always important for a team to boost its confidence and especially against the No. 1 team, it's something special,” said Misbah, whose team lost to minnows Zimbabwe in their last Test in September.
“It was a team effort and everyone contributed, especially the youngsters.
“Both openers and Zulfiqar Babar, they really did a tremendous job for us. I think everyone chipped in, especially with the bowling.”
“Conditions suit our batting and the record of our bowlers is very good here in the UAE which was a major difference in both teams.”
South African captain Graeme Smith was left “extremely disappointed”.
“We have set really high standards for ourselves, but credit goes to Misbah and his boys, right from session one, they have been ahead in the game and played better cricket. Even though we showed good character in parts, our skills were not up to the mark,” said Smith.
