'High in spirits' Pak team eyeing series win in Napier

Karachi, Dec. 8 (ANI): The morale boosting 141-run win over New Zealand in the second Test match has ended Pakistan's drought in Test matches, and the players are now aiming to topple the hosts in the third and penultimate match of the series starting December 11 in Napier to pocket the three-match series.

Team Manager, Abdul Raquib said the comprehensive win in the Wellington Test has elated the players and they are now eagerly waiting for the third match.

"The boys are in high spirits. It is natural to feel elated because we've not been winning any Tests for quite some time and badly needed a good result here," Raquib said.

Raquib said the much needed win has helped change the body language of the players, and added that Pakistan would have a psychological advantage over the Kiwis in final Test.

"We will certainly have a psychological edge (over New Zealand) after having won the second Test so comprehensively. Our team has received a huge boost and I'm confident that we will go on to win this series," The Daily Times quoted Raquib, as saying.

Pakistan would certainly want to end the series on a winning note, as they have a tough assignment ahead in Australia.

"Obviously we would love to head for Australia after ending this series on a winning note. Our players are aware of it and I'm sure that they would carry on the momentum in Napier," the team manager said.

Raquib, however, pointed out that massive improvements in batting and fielding were needed to continue their winning run.

"It was quite disappointing to see so many dropped catches but the boys were complaining of visibility problems and a strong breeze (in Wellington). But there can't be any excuses and the boys will certainly be working hard in that area," he said.

Batting too is of prime concern for Pakistan, as none of the senior batsmen have responded with their bat in the last two games. Young-batting sensation Umar Akmal has been the only shining star in the batting line-up.

The 19-year-old hit a gritty 129 on his debut in Dunedin and has since piled up 302 runs from four innings at an impressive average of over 75. (ANI)