No. 1 Test rank is like winning the World Cup for Pakistan: Misbah-ul-Haq

Bengaluru, Aug 26: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq today (August 26) said, becoming the number one Test side in the ICC Rankings is like winning the World Cup.

For the first time in history, Misbah-led Pakistan climbed to the top of the ICC Test Rankings, replacing India. (Feels great to be No. 1: Misbah)

With India-West Indies' 4th Test ending in a draw on Saturday (August 20), Pakistan became the number one side in the world. India had to win the Test to retain their top spot but due to rain on 4 days in a row, the match ended in a draw. (Pakistani fans mock Indian team)

On Friday, Misbah reflected on the team's journey to the top of the rankings and said they had a big challenge ahead to maintain their status.

"It is a huge achievement to be at top of the world. It is just like winning a World Cup for your team, therefore everyone in the team wanted to touch the summit no matter whether it was for a day or a week or a month. The number one tag was in the minds of all the players and it motivated us a lot," Misbah wrote on Cricket Australia's (CA) website.

"The challenge now is to maintain our ranking and for that we will have to do well in the upcoming series against West Indies, New Zealand and Australia. The tours to New Zealand and Australia will be difficult," he added.

42-year-old Misbah, who has played 65 Tests, said it is an "unbelivable feeling" to be on top of the world. Pakistan recently drew 2-2 against England and gained valuable points in ICC Rankings.

"I started the journey as Pakistan captain in quite a dramatic fashion and the knowledge that today we are the number one team sounds very dramatic, too. It is an unbelievable feeling to know that in six years we have reached the summit; a feeling of immense pleasure and satisfaction," he stated.

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