By Rashid Ali Siddiqui, DUBAI, January 21, 2012 – Pakistan shock England, Pakistan thrashed world No. 1 England comprehensively by 10 wickets within three days in he first Test to walk away with a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series being played at a neutral venue in the UAE.
With two days to spare England crumbled to 160 in their second innings with Umar Gul (4-63), Saeed Ajmal (3-42) and Abdul Rehman (3-37) sharing the spoils. Pakistani openers Taufeeq Umer and Mohammad Hafeez easily achieved 15 runs target.
Off-spinner Saeed Ajmal was the hero of match taking ten wickets haul in match with snapping five wickets in first innings to help crush English team. Coach Mohsin Khan says the team is determined to improve performances and its image. In a post-match interview he said:
“This group of players is playing an important role in improving the image of Pakistan cricket, by playing tough cricket and winning consistently and therefore showing the world that Pakistani cricketers are among the best and they deserve respect.
“It was a great team effort and the boys gave their almost hundred percent, we must praise our batting as well, the openers gave us a sound start and then everyone chipped in by showing good fighting spirit,” said coach. He added: “I hope the intensity and the hard work continues because we have just won the first Test and must show consistency to win the series”.
The second Test starts in Abu Dhabi on January 25. Picture © Pakistan Cricket Board
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.