Karachi win one of most satisfying in my reign: Smith

The win was all the more special as the Proteas have not been too successful in the sub-continent in recent times.

“I think few of us have played for South African cricket for many years and we have had only a handful of victories in the sub-continent since readmission. Obviously, this was a special win for us,” the left-hander said.

“It is not easy cricket here and it takes a lot of mental and physical hard work. I think everyone stepped up in this Test and it is outstanding for me as a captain,” he said.

This was only the second instance when Pakistan has lost at the National stadium in Karachi in 40 matches. They had been defeated by England in December 2000.

The South Africa captain advised his teammates to keep their heads straight and remain mentally focused for the second and final Test starting in Lahore on October 8.

“I think we should not squander a great opportunity to win a Test series in the sub-continent.”

Smith said the victory was very satisfying as it was achieved in alien conditions.

“It was great because this pitch was prepared for them (Pakistan) and we acclimatised better on it and played a better game mentally and technically. We held the big card throughout the match,” he stated.

Smith had special praise for Jacques Kallis and wicketkeeper Mark Boucher, who set a world record for the highest number of dismissals in Test cricket.

“Kallis has proven to the world and people back home what he is about. His contribution was big. Boucher’s record also means a lot for South African cricket. This Test has had some incredible milestones for us.”

Kallis marked his comeback to the team after being dropped for the Twenty20 World Cup by twin centuries, only the fourth South African to achieve this feat.

However, Smith admitted there were concerns over the form of his top bowler Makhaya Ntini.

“This is something obviously for the selection panel to discuss going into the Test. Ntini has not been at his best since start of the season. But it is for the bowling coach and experts to work with him quickly and hopefully we will get him back to his best soon.”

Smith said in view of Ntini’s form, the possibility of Shaun Pollock, who was dropped for the first time in his Test career, playing in Lahore could not be ruled out.

“We need to discuss some things going into the Test.”

But he said overall he was happy that South African cricket had had an injection of youth and said this was necessary to successfully try out a rotation policy given the number of Tests they will play in the coming months.

Smith said South Africa had to ensure that whenever Pollock’s career came to an end, South Africa had the guys to replace him.