Pakistan middle-order batsman Misbah ul Haq today said a draw in the second
cricket Test against India would boost his side's morale after they fought
back strongly in tough conditions.
"I think, psychologically, a draw will be a big boost for us. We had lost
the toss and batting second was not easy on the third and fourth day. India batted
in good conditions and put up a big total so the pressure was on us," Misbah,
who played a major role in Pakistan's recovery with a brilliant unbeaten 161,
said.
"It was not easy to score while batting second in those conditions. So
if a team fights back in such tough conditions, the confidence level is boosted
and that is what happened to us," he said.
For Misbah, the century was doubly special for he got his maiden
Test hundred on his son's birthday.
Misbah denied his side would be under pressure on the final
day of the Test if India set them a challenging target.
"Our job is to go out there and fight, so there is not much pressure on
us. We just go out there and try our best and that is what we (he and Kamran Akmal
during the 207-run sixth wicket partnership yesterday) did and we
were successful and we will hope to continue doing it." The right-hander
said though the wicket was turning and off-spinner Harbhajan Singh got
good bounce, a batsman could score runs if he applied himself well.
Misbah said if the Indians set his side a target "We will
go there and play our normal game. If a situation develops where our openers
give us a good start, may be then we can decide whether to chase the target
or just play out the day.
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