WhatsApp Logo Subscribe
For News Alert

News

Pakistan coach Misbah aims high after South Africa sweep

February 9, 2021 03:17 PM


Twitter Share Facebook Share WhatsApp Share

Pakistan head coach Misbah-ul-Haq has his eye on a top-three world ranking for the national side in all formats of the game following their first Test series win over South Africa since 2003.

Pakistan earned a hard-fought 95-run victory in the second Test in Rawalpindi on Monday to claim the two-match series 2-0.

Misbah -- whose position as head coach was in danger after a 2-0 defeat in the preceding series in New Zealand -- said his team were now heading in the right direction.

"The ultimate goal is to be number one in Tests and top three in other formats," Misbah told reporters on a video call Tuesday. "We have been telling the players about this target all through."

It was under Misbah's captaincy in 2016 that Pakistan were ranked the number one Test team for the only time. They topped the Twenty20 rankings in 2018, a year after his retirement.

Misbah also praised all-format captain Babar Azam, now regarded as one of the world's best batsmen.

"We are heading in the right direction and this win over South Africa has boosted the team's confidence under a new skipper who is developing with every game," said Misbah.

Pakistan next plays three Twenty20 internationals against South Africa in Lahore on February 11, 13 and 14.

After that they will tour South Africa for a limited-overs series in April, followed by a short Test and Twenty20 series in Zimbabwe.

They are also scheduled to play the West Indies in an away series and host Australia, England and New Zealand in the next two years.



Most Read

  1. Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her Diljit Dosanjh invites Hania Aamir on stage during London concert, sings 'Lover' for her
  2. Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest Army soldiers guard Islamabad, Lahore sealed ahead of PTI protest
  3. Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP Strong winds, rain lash most parts of Punjab, KP
  4. Two Chinese nationals among three killed in Karachi 'suicide bombing' Two Chinese nationals among three killed in Karachi 'suicide bombing'
  5. Routine traffic on Lahore, Rawalpindi roads as almost all blocked routes reopened Routine traffic on Lahore, Rawalpindi roads as almost all blocked routes reopened
  6. Army colonel among 6 soldiers martyred, 6 terrorists killed in Waziristan clash Army colonel among 6 soldiers martyred, 6 terrorists killed in Waziristan clash