On this day 2 years ago Misbah completed his first series as Pakistan Captain. Misbah had the highest batting average by a Pakistan batsman, Azhar and Misbah had the most 50+ scores, Azhar had the longest crease occupation rate, Younis was the sole centurion, Rehman was the leading wicket taker for them in the series. It was a creditable drawn outcome which was a triumph for the side for all the turmoil they had been through. It was seen as a series win in many ways and rightly so:
1) They had lost 10 out of their last 15 tests coming into the series
2) They had played no tests at home for over a year, not even in UAE and it was being felt
3) They had just been through their most shameful controversy in the previous test played
4) The Zulqarnain events building up to the test series would have caused distractions
5) South Africa carried the momentum, winning the T20 and ODI legs fairly convincingly
6) South Africa were the number 2 ranked side
7) They had a new captain who was making a come-back as a player as well
8) They had a totally new looked side with new faces and come-back of some older players
9) In both tests they were on the back-foot and had to show plenty of character, heart and spirit in order to fight their way out of it
10) Pakistan traditionally have an inferior test record in head to head contests vs. South Africa
11) There was a lot of criticism at the choice of captain and the overall selection of squad
12) It was the batting that clicked: Only lost 26 wickets in 4 innings, 76 in previous 8 innings before
13) There was a 1st wicket 100 partnership during the series
14) They posted their highest 4th innings total during the series
15) 2 batsmen scored 3 50s or above out of a possible 4 innings
16) Steyn was neutralised, regardless of conditions, he is a top quality pace bowler
17) Pakistan went to New Zealand and the World Cup with some much needed restored pride and confidence in the next assignments
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