Victory was the result of team effort, says Wasim (21 February 1999)

21 February 1999

Victory was the result of team effort, says Wasim

Our Special Representative

CALCUTTA, Feb 20: Pakistan captain Wasim Akram termed the victory over India in the Asian Test Championship as victory of the entire team.

"Hats off to all the players. I feel a very proud captain because the boys played like true champions and tigers," a jubilant Akram told Pakistani journalists.

Akram said the approach of the Pakistan team had been positive throughout the series. "Particularly in this match when we scored 185 from 26 for six, the boys desperately wanted to win because they felt they owed a lot to Moin Khan," said the all-rounder.

"But I am glad that the confidence of the boys has been restored and they have returned to their old winning ways. It was a great team effort and I thank all my players and supporters back home."

Akram, asked how he lifted him team following a 212-run defeat at New Delhi, said all he told his players was to fight and not give up until the final ball is bowled. "I told them that I would take the pressure and they should just concentrate on the game. I asked them to give their best no matter if we lose because we wanted to show the world that we were a fighting unit.

Akram said the objective to bat first after winning the toss was to go positive. He stated that even the Australians bat first even on green wickets because they have confidence in themselves. "The decision to bat first was unanimous and I was relaxed. If I had panicked, the entire team would have come under pressure.

"If I win the toss again, I would make the same decision," Akram said confidently.Akram said Waqar Younis was replaced by Azhar Mahmood and not by Shoaib Akhtar. "Azhar was picked because he is an all-rounder."

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