Cricket: Pakistan beat England ‘through hard work’

Pakistan’s cricketer Abdul Rehman celebrates after victory in the second Test match between Pakistan and England at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi

Left-arm spinner Abdul Rehman yesterday refused to accept Pakistan’s success over world number one England was a big surprise, saying the team achieved the 2-0 lead through sheer hard work.
Rehman starred in his team’s 72-run win in the second Test in Abu Dhabi by claiming a career-best 6-25 to bundle England for 72 in the second innings – their lowest in all Tests against Pakistan.
That gave Pakistan an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-Test series with the last match in Dubai from February 3. Pakistan won the first Test by ten wickets, also played in Dubai.
Rehman, 31, said beating England was not a shock.
“No, its not surprising. We have won because we have worked really hard before the series and in the two Test matches,” said Rehman, who has 12 wickets in two Tests while his spin partner Saeed Ajmal has 17.
Rehman, though, admitted England’s capitulation was a bit surprising.
“We had no idea that it would finish in three or four days, but since the team did well and the pitches helped us so we won,” said Rehman of the two Tests which finished in three and four days respectively.
Rehman said he has received brilliant support from Ajmal, who took ten wickets – including a career-best 7-55 – in the first Test.