Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq praises pacers for Zimbabwe triumph

Pakistan’s Wahab Riaz celebrates taking the wicket of Zimbabwe’s Craig Ervine

Brisbane, March 1: A relieved Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq credited his pacers for their 20-run victory over Zimbabwe in a World Cup Pool B encounter at the Gabba here on Sunday. With this win, the 1992 edition champions registered their first win in the tournament.

Pakistan chose to bat and put on 235 runs on the scoreboard. But it was the bowlers who came out with bounce and swing to bundle out Zimbabwe for 215. Mohammad Irfan and Wahab Riaz -- later adjudged the man-of-the-match for his knock of 54 -- were the pick of the bowlers claiming figures of 4/30 and 4/45, respectively.

"We were 15-20 runs short after losing a few quick wickets. But the kind of quality the bowlers showed was brilliant. The fielding was also good too, credit should be given to the fast bowlers for the way they bowled today," said Misbah who top scored with 73.

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Irfan got special praise from the skipper. "Irfan is a kind of bowler, if somebody has not faced him before he might find him difficult to play in such conditions."

The 40-year-old added batting was not easy as it was a two-paced wicket and he had difficulties in timing the ball.

"Pitch wasn't easy. It was holding up, it was a bit two-paced. When I went there I found it really difficult to rotate the strike," Misbah said.

"I was thinking if we could get to 250-260 it would be really challenging, because we had five regular bowlers but it wasn't to be. But thankfully the bowlers pulled it off."