End of an era: Misbah’s top five Test moments

Misbah’s decision to finally hang up his boots marks the end of an era for Pakistan cricket – an era defined by quiet elegance coupled with a fierce determination to win.

Here are the top five moments forever engraved in Misbah’s legacy:

No 1 Test team in the world  

Misbah brought Pakistan the ultimate Test honour when, under his leadership, Pakistan became the number one ranked Test side for the first time in the country’s history after drawing England series in August 2016.

Even though the glory was short-lived, the moment when captain Misbah lifted the Test mace remains the zenith of his cricketing career and, as he said, his best memory ever.

Most successful Pakistani and Asian captain

Misbah became Pakistan’s most successful Test captain ever following the conclusion of the series against New Zealand in UAE in November 2014.

Two years later, he became the most successful Asian captain by winning his 10th series (against West Indies in October 2016), surpassing the Indian duo of Saurav Ganguly and MS Dhoni, who both had won nine Test series each.

Series draw against England

It was during the Pakistan tour to England in the summer of 2016 when Misbah gave the cricketing world his most famous pose ever: the push-ups, which quickly set a trend in Pakistan cricket and in other circles around the world.

Guided by Misbah’s sure-footed captaincy, Pakistan went on to draw the Test series against England 2-2 – a remarkable feat given how tough England prove to be in their home conditions.

Equalling Sir Viv Richards’ fastest century record

Misbah – always the steady one – broke away all stereotypes when he equalled West Indian legend Sir Vivian Richards’ record for the (then) fastest century in Tests, reaching the milestone in 56 balls against Australia in Abu Dhabi in November 2014.

Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum smashed Misbah and Sir Richards’ jointly-held record in February 2016 with his 54 ball ton against Australia.

Taking the reins in difficult times

Misbah took over the Test reins at a time when Pakistan cricket was badly shaken by the infamous spot-fixing scandal of 2010 – an incident which had left players’ confidence shaky and smeared the image of the country.

Despite the challenging times, Misbah rebuilt the team and instilled a renewed sense of self-esteem and courage in his players, who rallied around him and pushed Pakistan cricket forward unhindered by the negativity.