New Delhi:
Legendary players Misbah-ul-Haq and Younis Khan ended their illustrious careers as Pakistan clinched a historic Test series victory over West Indies. Yasir Shah was the wrecker-in-chief as he took eight wickets in the match and five in the second innings in a gripping final day at Windsor Park, Dominica and Pak scripted a 101-run win over their Carribean counterparts.
Roston Chase hit a brilliant century but West Indies were unable to save the match. Misbah-ul-Haq was Pakistan's most successful test captain and recently took them to the top ranked position in Test cricket in 2016.
A late bloomer, he was a middle-order batsman best known for his composure with the bat whilst also having the ability to be an aggressive big shot player when required.
With 10 centuries and 36 half-centuries he scored more than 5000 runs in his Test career. His greatest moments were drawing a Test series in England and being the first Pakistani captain to win a series on West Indian soil. He led Pak in 48 matches, winning 24 and losing 13 whereas 11 matches ended in draws.
Pakistan's highest run-scorer Younis Khan has made more than 10,000 runs in Test cricket with 34 centuries and 33 half-centuries. Since his debut, he has been a pillar in Pakistan cricket and his majestic conversion rate is one of the best in crickting history. He has made centuries in all 11 countries which have hosted Test matches. Further, in 2009 he also took Pakistan to victory in the 2009 ICC World T20.
The conribution of Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq is of great significance as the two batting stalwarts held the fort for their country's cricket when the nation was rocked by a spate of match fixing scandals and unending political turmoil at the turn of the new millenium. It is notable that Misbah and Younis held the Pakistani batting in good stead post the retirement of their ever dependable batting heroes Inzamam-ul Haq and Mohammad Younis. The two have cemented their places among the all time cricketing greats of Pakistan courtesy their selfless service to their nation for a sustained period of time.
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It shall be hard for Pakistan cricket to fill in the shoes of the two legends but the current crop in Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babbar Azam, Shan Masood and Ahmed Shehzad can draw inspiration and endeavour to emulate the glittering careers of their predecessors.
Cricket pundits shall be keenly watching as to how does Pakistan rebuild their batting unit after Misbah and Younis' swansong in the Carribean. Legends certainly charter out an era in the glorious history of a cricketing nation but it is imperative for a nation to auger for a brighter future with a glorious past as their legacy.
