ABU DHABI: Skipper Misbah-ul-Haq Thursday thanked the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for keeping confidence in his abilities, his mother, family and fans on praying for him after becoming Pakistan’s most successful Test captain.
Misbah registered his 15th Test win as Pakistan beat New Zealand by 248 runs in the first Test in Abu Dhabi, overtaking his illustrious countrymen Imran Khan (14 wins) and Javed Miandad (also 14 wins)
"Good days or bad days, I never lost hope. Credit also goes to the PCB that despite so many changes in the set-up (of the board), they kept faith in me. I hope that even after me there is consistency in captaincy because this gives you results," said Misbah
Misbah said he felt proud to become his country's most successful captain, four years after he was handed the job in the post spot-fixing saga, which left Pakistan cricket in tatters.
A humble Misbah said he felt proud to be the best.
"It sounds great and thanks to Almighty. You can see the names Imran Khan, Javed Miandad and I am at the top," said Misbah who captained 32nd time since taking over in October 2010.
"I can't feel better on this record but I think they were better than me before and will remain better always."
Misbah said when he looks back at the bad times of his takeover, it feels even better.
"When I look back today, it's a happy moment for me because when I started this journey it was tough. When I was captain it was uncertain, I was not even in the team and it was a do-or-die situation and suddenly I was the captain," said Misbah.
Pakistan had to start afresh after a spot-fixing scandal, which resulted in bans on then Test captain Salman Butt, Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Aamer.
"When I look back, the way I performed and the team responded it is incredible – youngsters or seniors, everyone gave his best – and that's why we deserved the results and all the players deserve credit for this," said Misbah.
The win against New Zealand is Pakistan's third in a row after last week's 2-0 whitewash of Australia, their first series win over them in 20 years.
Misbah also praised man-of-the-match Rahat Ali.
"He has been bowling well," said Misbah of the left-arm paceman who got six wickets against New Zealand.
"When he made his debut, there were a lot of question marks on his performance but I as captain, coach, the selectors and other people around the team backed him."
New Zealand captain Brendon McCullum said his team came a cropper.
“Sometimes you’ve got to admit you were second best, cop it on the chin, reflect on it but don’t overanalyse," said McCullum, who regretted missed catches.
“We created several chances, which we didn't take, and over here you can’t be needing to get 26-27 wickets.
“From a bowling point of view, the wicket was dead on days one and two but got better in pace as the game went on. We’ve still got the personnel to do it. If Pakistan wins the toss, I reckon it’s a 70/30 advantage to them straight away."
McCullum praised his opener Tom Latham who scored his maiden hundred in the first innings.
"From our point of view, we were left wanting in a couple of areas. However, there are some thoughts of hopes with Latham's innings as it was one of real class and he gives us good lessons on how to get in and get through the initial period."
The second Test starts in Dubai from November 17.
