The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chief Selector Mohsin Khan said that the selection committee achieved the target of finding a talented paceman as the team won the one-off Test against Zimbabwe by seven wickets.
Mohsin said the win was a result of team work and praised debutant fast-bowler Aizaz Cheema, who celebrated his 32nd birthday yesterday and claimed eight wickets on a pitch where other pacemen suffered. “I won’t rate the win as a huge achievement,” Mohsin told The Express Tribune. “The win wasn’t against a top-class team but we have achieved our target of finding a fast-bowler who can support the other pacers.”
Pakistan’s decision to rest the pace duo of Umar Gul and Wahab Riaz drew criticism from various former cricketers but the chief selector said the decision was taken in the team’s interest and it proved a useful one.
“This tour was the best opportunity for youngsters and they justified our decision especially Cheema. I watched each of his deliveries and he impressed me with his fitness and commitment.”
Rues missed opportunity by batsmen
However, Mohsin rued missed opportunities of scoring centuries by captain Misbahul Haq (66), Azhar Ali (75) and Younus Khan (88) in the first-innings.
“They should have converted their innings into centuries,” he said while praising the performance of man-of-the-match Mohammad Hafeez before warning the team of complacency in the upcoming limited-overs series.
“Zimbabwe will be tough in that format and the team should not take the hosts lightly.”
Zaheer impressed with comeback
Former captain Zaheer Abbas said he was delighted to see the team fight back and win the match.
“Pakistan had an ordinary start to the Test match, which seemed to be heading towards a dull draw after a good show by the hosts,” he said. “The way the team made their comeback was a very good sign.”
