Brathwaite lauds West Indies' bravery in historic Pakistan triumph
The West Indies earned their first victory in Pakistan in 34 years on Monday, with Kraigg Brathwaite citing his side's bravery as key.
West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite said that his batters had to be brave and trust their plans to succeed in Multan in their second Test victory over Pakistan.
Brathwaite led by example by scoring 52 runs from 74 balls in the tourists' second innings to help them to a 120-run win and a first triumph on Pakistan soil since November 1990.
The Windies captain had been part of the collapse that had his side 38-7 in the first innings, but adopted a more aggressive approach when back at the crease in the second.
He notched his 31st half-century in Test matches, while also bringing up his quickest 50 in the format, which handed the West Indies a lead of 254 that proved to be enough.
Jomel Warrican took five wickets, while Kevin Sinclair and Gudakesh Motie claimed the remaining numbers to seal a historic win, with Brathwaite proud of his side's bravery.
"Both Test matches the pitch was tough to bat on, and we knew that, so as I said, I just wanted us to be brave," Brathwaite said.
"We had to make whatever plans we had, to go there and execute them as well as possible, because regardless of what, there would be a ball with your name on it.
"I mean it was a difficult pitch to bat on, so it was good to see the confidence we had about doing it and, you know, as I said, I am very proud of this team.
A test win on Pakistan soil for the first time in 35 years. pic.twitter.com/5WOLuaYX11
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"It was just for the batsmen to be brave. I mean as batsmen, as I said, everyone's going to have their plans. Be brave in whatever you want to do as a batsman," he added.
"Bowling wise, bring forward the batsmen as much as possible and there will be 20 balls so that you will get 20 wickets because the pitch is difficult."
Brathwaite also heaped praise on Jomel Warrican. The left-arm spinner finished the series with 19 wickets - the most by a visiting bowler in a two-Test series in Pakistan.
"Jomel was outstanding. To see how he went about his bowling and the pressure he built from ball one, I mean it was amazing," Brathwaite said.
Warrican also put in a crucial contribution with the bat, finishing unbeaten on 36 in the first innings, with his 68-run stand for the last wicket with Motie key in reviving the West Indies from being 38-7 after they won the toss and chose to bat.
"With the bat, you can't count him out. I think he did a fantastic job with the bat as well. But bowling wise, I know he's worked hard over the years," Brathwaite concluded.
"He's been in and out of the team, but it's good to see him get the chance, and he grabbed it. I'm very proud of him. He was outstanding."