Pakistan annihilated Australia by 356 runs in the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday to win the two-match series 2-0, their first over their opponentssince 1994.
Waqar said he was pleased with the manner of his team’s win.
“I am pleased with this win,” Waqar told AFP. “The determination, dedication and discipline led to the goody goody stuff and credit to the boys for putting up this brilliant show.”
Waqar praised skipper Misbah-ul Haq for his positive thinking.
“Misbah’s positive frame of mind helped the team and the way he looked at his captaincy and batting inspired other players to do their best,” said Waqar.
Misbah set a new world record for the fastest half-century off just 21 balls and equalled the fastest hundred feat off 56 balls during his 101 not out in the second Test, also hitting twin hundreds in the match.
Waqar said he always respected Younis Khan, declared man-of-the-series for his 468 runs in the two Tests, including hundreds in each innings of the first Test and 213 in the second.
“We always knew he has this ability and with his amazing performance he has once again proved that he is an institution and juniors sharing the dressing room with him develop with every moment, hats off to the man,” said Waqar of the veteran batsman.
Waqar also credited his support staff.
“I would also credit my support staff, from Mushtaq Ahmed to Grant Luden to Grant Flower – everyone kept a positive frame of mind, even when we were left frustrated with the results in Sri Lanka,” said Waqar of Pakistan’s last tour in August where they lost 2-0 in Tests and 2-1 in a one-day series.
Waqar denied he ever thought of revenge from Australia after being whitewashed 3-0 as captain in a neutral venue series in 2002.
Pakistan were then shot out for 59 and 53 in a Test in Sharjah.
“I can’t even recall that,” said Waqar. “Those were my playing days so its nothing like revenge, its another era.”
Waqar, however, hoped his team keeps the same momentum.
“We must not think that because we have beaten Australia we are now world beaters,” he warned.
“We have shown glimpses of what we can do but we must keep this discipline and stay fresh for the next assignments.”
Pakistan next play New Zealand in a three-match series with the first Test starting in Abu Dhabi from Sunday.
The Tests will be followed by two Twenty20s and five one-day internationals- AFP
