Pakistan skipper was highly impressed with opener Abdullah Shafique, whose unbeaten 160 in the fourth innings helped the side gun down a 344-run target in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.
In a match that swung from one team’s grasp to the other’s, it was Shafique’s well-compiled unbeaten 160, that helped Pakistan chase 344 with four wickets to spare in the first of two games of the series.
In a stay that lasted nearly nine hours, the 22-year-old struck seven fours and a six, while adding crucial stands with opening partner Imam-ul-Haq (35), Azam Babar (55) and Mohammed Rizwan (40) to knock off the highest successful chase at the venue.
The captain was in admiration of Shafique, as he looked back at a memorable win.
“First innings we did well with the ball. I should thank the tailenders for the support they gave me, especially Naseem Shah. We know how to play spin, so we believed. Me and Abdullah were just trying to build a partnership. As a youngster, he is showing a lot of class. Really pleasing to see him perform well,”
he said after the game, as per Cricbuzz.
Pakistan would have been knocked out of the contest by the second day itself, had Babar’s brilliant 119 not rescued them from a precarious 85/7. Shafique regarded the fourth-ranked Test batter as one of the best currently, and revelled in learning alongside him.
“I am happy that we were able to chase. Congratulations to the entire team for this record chase. Our plan was simple, we had to go and get the runs. It was difficult (to bat) but with time it was easier.
Spinners with the new ball were slightly tough to play. Babar is one of the best in the world. We have learnt so much from him. I enjoyed batting with him in the middle.”
The second Test will be played at the same venue from July 24.
