Misbah-ul-Haq 

Profile

Misbah-ul-Haq came into prominence in the 2007 World Twenty20 when he nearly led Pakistan to an improbable victory over arch rivals India in the tournament final. If it wasn't for the mistimed scoop shot, the World Cup could have well been theirs.

At 33, many cricketers are at the fag end of their careers, however for Misbah it was just the start. Many argued that his presence earlier would have given much solidity to a batting order filled with youngsters who have a tendency to be brash. But few remember that in early 2000, Misbah had his opportunities both in Tests and ODIs, and was only dropped after he failed to muster up decent scores even after being granted numerous opportunities.

Despite continuing to score prolifically in the domestic circuit, selectors felt that he had used up his chances and there seemed no way back for the right-hander. But on the eve of the 2007 World Twenty20, the selectors did a U-turn and Misbah repaid their faith with a stellar campaign. His performances won him places both in the Test and ODI arena and he continued his rich vein of form with a fine 2007 India tour, where he scored hundreds in back-to-back Tests. In ODIs, he had a successful 2008 series against West Indies and also led Pakistan to victory in a game against the Aussies.

In late 2010 following Salman Butt’s dismissal for the match fixing controversy and with Afridi’s reluctance to take up the post, Misbah was handed Pakistan’s Test captaincy reins. ODI captaincy followed post the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup after Shahid Afridi relinquished his leadership. Misbah was also eventually handed the Twenty20 captaincy, which he gave up in 2012.

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Career

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