Wasim elated by team spirit (1 February 1999)

1 February 1999

Wasim elated by team spirit

By Our Special Representative

CHENNAI, Jan 31: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram on Sunday said his team won the first Test because the players were confident and had faith in themselves.

"Never our chins were down despite the fact that Sachin Tendulkar seemed to take away the game from us. The boys kept on fighting because they knew that one breakthrough would change the complexion of the match," a delighted Akram said.

He stressed that the boys were confident that they would win the Test. "Didn't you see their body language. They were diving all over the place and supporting the bowlers," he pointed out, adding: "I am a proud captain today. I couldn't have asked anything more from them."

Akram, who was also the member of the team that beat India at Bangalore in 1987, said the common factor in both the victories were team spirit, motivation and positive approach. "That (1987) team also wanted to win at any cost and same is the approach of this side."

Akram vowed that though Pakistan are now in a position from where they cannot lose the series, still we would go allout to win the New Delhi Test. "We have come here with a positive approach and will continue to play positive cricket. No matter weather we lose the Test (at New Delhi) but our approach will be positive.

"I have already told my boys that the series is not over yet. We have to win the second Test also and the boys are eagerly waiting for the next game. The morale of the boys is sky high and I have all reasons to believe that we can win at New Delhi also."

He was optimistic that cricketers would draw inspiration from this historic triumph.

"The decision to take the new ball (after 80 overs with India needing 95 to win) was a very difficult one. But I took everyone into confidence and the consensus was that the new cherry should be taken because the older one had lost its bite. It was coming off the wicket very slowly. It was a big gamble but since we were positive, we took the risk and the decision paid off."

Akram had all praise for Sachin Tendulkar. "It was one of the finest innings played under pressure. He is the best batsman in the world and today he showed his class. But he also proved that his departure can cost his team the match when after bringing India in sight of victory, he threw away his wicket."

"We have developed a great coordination and understanding. We were in constant touch as I sent messages inside. But the boys played outstandingly. It was yet another example of their 'never say die' attitude," Miandad said.

However, Miandad admitted that he never thought Pakistan would win by the skin of their teeth. "I never thought that we would win by 12 runs after having reduced India to 82 for five. But India's fight back and our late charge showed that cricket was a game of glorious uncertainties."

Miandad was pleased with the fielding performance. "I had been stressing that the players need time to get everything straight. In this Test their fielding were superb."

"That's true that Asian Test Championship is not part of the series but the opposition, cricket and conditions are the same. Only the name has changed. I still consider it three-Test series tour."

Pakistan manager Shaharyar Khan said it was cricket that won today. "The people of Chennai proved today that it was the victory of cricket. I am not here on a political tour but to see that the game is played in the highest spirit. And I am happy that the crowd made the tour and match a great success."

Shaharyar, a former foreign secretary, expected that the crowd at New Delhi and Calcutta would show the same spirit. "I am confident that they would appreciate good cricket."

Source :: Dawn (https://dawn.com/)