SL vs PAK | Babar Azam praises Abdullah Shafique for his match-winning knock in 1st Test

Pakistan managed to achieve the unthinkable, chasing down a record 342 runs against Sri Lanka in the first Test at Galle. Skipper Babar Azam, who himself scored a century and a fifty in the match, has praised youngster Abdullah Shafique for this match-winning knock of 160*.

Shafique registered his second Test to en route to Pakistan's second-highest chase in Test.

Babar, who snitched a crucial 101-run stand on Day 4 of the Test, in the post-match presentation said, 

"I was surprised by how the pitch behaved. But we prepared well in the nets and it showed that today. I felt my preparation was good and so was Abdullah's and so happy it bore fruit.

"I think he played well and I am happy for him, he is a youngster for us and the way he applied himself in his sixth Test match and the temperament he showed was something that he and the entire team is proud of."

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Babar Azam lauds tailenders for their contribution

Azam, who was well by Pakistan's tail in the first innings, lauded them for their effort with the bat.

"First innings we did well with the ball. I should thank the tailenders for the support they game me, especially Naseem Shah. We know how to play spin so we believed," he added.

Shafique has scored 720 runs in six matches, including two Test centuries, at an impressive average of 80. His first century came against Australia at Rawalpindi.

Azam also spoke about winning the series with a win in the second Test.

"We are happy with the win and look forward to sealing the series in the next Test," he concluded.

The second Test begins on Sunday (July 24) at Galle.

READ: Shafique marshals Pakistan to highest-ever chase at Galle; take 1-0 lead