Victory shows team's character, says Inzamam

BANGALORE, India, Tuesday (Reuters) Pakistan's 168-run win against India to level the series on Monday reflected the character of his young team, captain Inzamam-ul-Haq said.

"The boys have shown tremendous character by fighting back after losing the second test in Calcutta," Inzamam told reporters.

"This win is a tribute to their hard work."

Pakistan had come to India for their first full series in over six years as the underdogs because of an inexperienced batting line-up and a bowling attack missing pace spearhead Shoaib Akhtar due to injury.

They managed to save the first test at Mohali with a gritty batting performance but lost in Calcutta by 195 runs. "This was a very crucial game. We knew we had to go all out. I was going to the bowlers and talking to them. It all worked out for us," he said.

"A (series) draw in India is a big thing for us because it's never easy to make a comeback against the home side. It was always going to be a tough challenge, but we overcame it." Pakistan had lost seven of their previous 10 matches, including a 3-0 rout in Australia. "The victory will go a long way in helping Pakistan cricket. We're a very young side, we needed the confidence of a big victory like this," Inzamam said.

Pakistan's spinners exploited helpful conditions to grab seven of the 10 wickets, making it a memorable 100th test for their captain.

"After the first session, when India were 102 for one, it looked like a draw. We knew our only chance was to attack. The four wickets between lunch and tea proved crucial," he said.