Pakistan president hails England's conquerors by AFP

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Player:	Inzamam-ul-Haq, Danish Kaneria
Event:	England in Pakistan 2005/06

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DateLine: 17th November 2005

 

President Pervez Musharraf led Pakistan on Thursday in congratulating the nation's cricket team on their surprise victory over England in the opening Test here.

 

"The spirited win speaks of the enormous talent and the urge to win in the team. Every player deserves a pat on the back after this win," Musharraf said in a message to the team.

 

England dominated the match for the first four days before squandering their advantage on Wednesday, losing by 22 runs to concede a 1-0 lead in the three-Test series.

 

Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Shaharyar Khan said the triumph was welcome news after the October 8 earthquake that killed 73,000 people and destroyed the homes of more than three million.

 

"The win has come as a good news for the whole nation which has suffered badly in the last two months," Khan said.

 

Pakistani media also hailed the performance of Inzamam-ul-Haq's team in the central city of Multan, with the Dawn daily's front-page headline calling it a "Stunning victory".

 

"With a devastating bowling performance, the unpredictable Pakistan buried England's hopes in this City of Saints with Danish Kaneria and Shoaib Akhtar leading the rout," the newspaper said.

 

Leg-spinner Kaneria played a key role in his team's success with four crucial wickets. Akhtar provided the finishing touches with three wickets late in the innings.

 

England were bowled out for 175 in their second innings, chasing 198 to win.

 

Pakistan had staged "a sensational comeback", the Nation said. "Kaneria used his spin skilfully and seemed almost unplayable. Inzi's (Inzamam) killer instinct does the trick," it said.

 

The win was Pakistan's sixth under Inzamam.

 

"Pakistan has upset all calculations with the Multan win," The News said. "Everyone tagged England as favourite but Pakistan was admirably led by Inzamam and the team's never-say-die approach finally proved the winner."

 

The second Test starts at Faisalabad from November 20.

(Article: Copyright © 2005 AFP)