PAK vs NZ: Sarfaraz ‘heartbroken’ after missing out on century
He was stumped after scoring 78 runs
Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed was distraught after missing out on a century during the ongoing second Test against New Zealand in Karachi.
The 35-year-old was stumped in controversial manner after scoring 78 runs during the third day of the match.
“I was heartbroken after getting out. I was set and close to getting a century,” Sarfaraz told Geo News in an exclusive interview.
“I’m disappointed but it would have looked out on television which is why the umpire made that decision,” he added.
The right-hander also lauded youngster Saud Shakeel for scoring his maiden Test ton.
“It was a great moment for Saud and his family that he scored his first Test century. I have been following Saud from a very young age and it was great to see him get reward for his hard work. He has been performing really well in domestic cricket as well and he made full use of the opportunity he got on the international arena. I hope he continues to play like this in the future.”
The former captain also shed light on the situation of the match after three days.
“The Test match has entered an interesting phase because we lost three quick wickets towards the end of the day which was a setback. If our batters had played out those overs, we could have equalled their score,” he said.
“We will try to put New Zealand under pressure by taking wickets in the second innings since the ball is reversing and our bowlers have pace. I think New Zealand will put us in for batting towards the end of the day tomorrow,” he added.
It must be noted that Shakeel scored his maiden century Wednesday before New Zealand hit back to keep Pakistan to 407-9 at the close of the third day of the second Test in Karachi.
Shakeel was unbeaten on 124 and Abrar Ahmed yet to score after New Zealand took four wickets in the final session for 70 runs, leaving the hosts 42 runs shy of the tourists´ first innings total of 449.
The two-match series is tied after the first Test — also in Karachi — ended in a draw.
