
Pakistan middle-order batsman Misbah-ul-Haq said a draw in the second cricket Test against India would boost his side8217;s morale after they fought back strongly in tough conditions.
8220;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,8221; Misbah, who played a major role in Pakistan8217;s recovery with a brilliant unbeaten 161, said.
8220;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,8221; he said.
For Misbah, the century was doubly special for he got his maiden Test hundred on his son8217;s birthday.
Misbah denied his side would be under pressure on the final day of the Test if India set them a challenging target.
8220;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.8221;
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 8220;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.8221;