Karachi win was necessary following New Zealand debacle: Babar Azam

Tags: South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2021, Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test, at Karachi, Jan 26-30, 2021, Pakistan, South Africa, Mohammad Babar Azam

Published on: Jan 30, 2021

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Having beaten a strong South African outfit in the first Test in This win was very necessaryin four days, Pakistan skipper Babar Azam described the seven-wicket win as very important for the team. Pakistan were coming off a 0-2 in New Zealand in the absence of Azam, and were under extreme pressure going into the Test series against South Africa. Head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and bowling coach Waqar Younis too had come in for heavy criticism in the build up to the South Africa series.

Reflecting on the Karachi win, Azam said at the post-match conference, "This win was very necessary for our group. The last series in New Zealand didn't go very well. Yes, this was in home conditions but South Africa is a top Test side. Everyone from our fast bowlers, fielders, spinners and batsmen contributed.”

Despite the rumours over the future of Misbah and Waqar with the Pakistan team, Azam said that neither were worried going into the match. He added, "Yes, there were some rumours but they (Misbah and Waqar) weren't worried before the start of the Test. They were just like they always are in the dressing room. Sometimes results take time, sometimes you have to realize that the series doesn't go your way. Trick is to learn from failures and come back from it."

Azam added that the leadership group specifically focused on building the self-confidence of the team, which was left shattered following the defeat in New Zealand.

"We have been telling the players to be confident. I don't want them to take pressure after one innings wondering what will happen. You cannot be perfect. You will make mistakes. That's what I and Misbah have been trying to convey to all the players. We want the players to believe in themselves and have confidence in their game," the Pakistan captain further revealed.

The second Test between Pakistan and South Africa begins in Rawalpindi on February 4.

--By A Cricket Correspondent

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