Critics, former players hail Pakistan's win over SL

For a change Pakistan captain Misbah-u-Haq and his men were hailed by critics, former players and fans after their unexpected victory over Sri Lanka in Sharjah today.
Misbah, who scored an unbeaten 68 in Pakistan's exciting win while chasing a target of 302 runs in the last two sessions of the third Test, was praised for motivating his young team to chase a big total and level the series after Sri Lanka won the second Test in Dubai.
"This victory is a turning point for Pakistan cricket and Misbah. It will give immense confidence to him and his team that they can do the improbable and nothing is impossible in cricket," former captain Rameez Raja said.

"Such victories only increase the self belief in a team and I think we are going to see this team play a more positive brand of cricket in future," he said.
Rameez said Azhar Ali who scored a century, wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed, who made a quickfire 48, and Misbah all deserved credit for the win.
Misbah said after the Test that the team wanted to win it desperately to give a winning send off to their coach Dav Whatmore, who steps down next month after a two-year tenure.
Former captain and pacer Waqar Younis said Sri Lanka only had themselves to blame for the defeat as they had adopted a very defensive approach throughout the Test and paid the price for it.

"You don't draw or win matches by playing 60 maidens in an innings. This is a very special day and victory for Pakistan cricket. I think a number of players in this side have come of age today," he said.