Abid and Shan inspired me to regain my batting form: Azhar Ali.

Byline: Khalid H. Khan

KARACHI -- Pakistan captain Azhar Ali had no reason to worry after celebrating his first victory as Test captain here on Monday while his Sri Lankan counterpart Dimuth Karunaratne rued the missed opportunities which cost the tourists dearly in the landmark series that concluded with the hosts clinching a 1-0 triumph here on Monday.

'Definitely this is a historic day for Pakistan cricket and a great moment of pure joy for all of us that we won the series. This result was very significant in every way because we were playing at home after such a long time,' an elated Azhar told the post-series media conference at the National Stadium. 'Obviously, we all are very happy and we not just performed as a team but also individually whenever it was required the guys stepped up. After what happened in Rawalpindi with rain and bad light combining to ruin a landmark Test, we were under lot of pressure for major part of the first two days here in Karachi.

'I mean being bowled for 191 and then falling behind on the first innings was depressing for us. But the way our bowlers kept us in the game showed the fighting skills of this inexperienced team. Hats off to Abid [Ali] and Shan [Masood] for digging Pakistan out of trouble during their brilliant [opening] partnership was something to be very proud of. They were simply outstanding and the special performances from not only lifted our spirits but gave us self-belief, seldom seen in recent Test matches,' Azhar added.

Karunaratne blames bowlers for defeat

Azhar singled out Abid for special praise after the 32-year-old from Lahore scored centuries in at the start of his Test career. 'Abid was a huge plus and there's no doubt in my mind that he is here to serve Pakistan for a while. To get the chance at long last and performed exceptionally is a testimony of Abid's mental toughness and temperament,' the Pakistan skipper remarked. 'Abid was itching to prove that he is a special player. His hunger [for runs] was insatiable and he was very keen and determined to show everyone he's not an ordinary batsman. Shan also grabbed his chance here with a much-needed knock.

'I would be lying if I don't say that Abid and Shan inspired me to regain my form in the second innings with that tremendous stand. And when the openers give the side a start like that, it gives room to perform.

'As a senior batsman there are occasions when nothing goes right. You never understand why runs have dried up from your...