Razzaq ruffles feathers after thundering knock

His whirlwind 109 not out off just 72 balls with 10 sixes and seven fours steered Pakistan to a dramatic series levelling triumph in the five-match Cool & Cool Cup series after South Africa had set them a daunting target of 287.

Razzaq, who has for long been an unsung hero of Pakistan cricket, took charge after skipper Shahid Afridi set the stage for their fightback with a 40-ball 49 to change the script of the match with a thundering innings which took the sting out of the disciplined South African attack.

“It was best innings I have ever played in my career. This will always be there in my memory. I will never forget this match,” said Razzaq after the match. “Pakistan very badly needed this win.”

“It’s one of the best knocks I’ve seen in my career as player and coach. It was top draw. You see this once in a decade. It was all pure cricketing shots. He is definitely capable. That’s why we always believe in him,” said Pakistan’s coach Waqar Younus.

He also felt credit should be given to Afridi who kept the momentum going. “Fawad Alam also batted superbly and also don’t forget the way Wahab Riaz bowled specially in the powerplay. At one stage it looked they might run away with 300 or 300 plus. Stopping them at 286 was a good effort by the bowlers. But the show has been stolen by Abdur Razzaq,” said Younus.

Graeme Smith, who missed the match along with Jacques Kallis due to injury, also praised Razzaq.

“It was going to take a massive individual effort for them to win. Abdur (Razzaq) obviously achieved that. He played a terrific knock. It’s disappointing from our point of view that we didn’t have an answer for it,” said Smith who felt they had been in a position to close the match.

“286 was a very good total on the surface. We bowled reasonably well for 34 overs. For Razzaq to hit as clean as he did and often as he did was an impressive effort. You have to give him credit,” said Smith.

It was also an innings of great character because Razzaq was under pressure to perform with his last one-day half century having come four years ago against England.

“One can see that for the past four or five years I have been under utilised when it came to batting or bowling. That’s the reason probably I was under pressure,” he said.

“Today also when I went to bat in I knew that the same situation existed but I had play my game and ensure I perform,” said Razzaq urging those in charge of the game to be patient with players of his calibre.

“I request those who are running the game that they need to back us and we will surely perform if they have some patience. Pressure will not allow the player to perform freely. This will not be good for any player and will not give him any motivation. They have to address these issues and motivate the players,” said Razzaq who has been playing for Pakistan at the highest level for the past 15 years.

However, he lauded the leadership qualities of Afridi and for motivating him. “He is getting mature every day. He keeps motivating the players and is very friendly with everyone. He is one among my best friends and has always said that my performance will win us matches. So if you have a captain with such good thinking, then I’m sure the players will perform well,” said Razzaq.

Younus played down Razzaq’s criticisms by acknowledging his contribution to Pakistan cricket. “He’s been a great servant for 12 to 13 years and a great performer. He has made Pakistan proud. It’s just that unfortunately he probably felt he was under pressure. Apart from the time when he went to ICL, he’s been part of Pakistan cricket or plan,” he said.

He also shrugged off comments that Razzaq had not been treated properly by captains in the past by replying: “He would not have played this much of cricket if this was the case. If he feels that way you can’t do much about it. When you play for your country, you have to be on your toes all the time I guess.”