PAK vs NZ: Tom Blundell opens up about stumping Sarfaraz Ahmed

The wicketkeeper-batter was sent packing after scoring 78 runs

January 04, 2023
Replays on screen suggested that the Pakistani batter’s foot was slightly in the air — AFP

KARACHI: New Zealand’s wicketkeeper-batter Tom Blundell says he didn’t initially feel Sarfaraz Ahmed was out when he stumped him off Daryl Mitchell’s delivery but replays on screen suggested that the Pakistani batter’s foot was slightly in the air.

Talking to Geo exclusively after third day’s play in Karachi, the Kiwi cricketer said that Pakistan has got a very good batting line up and New Zealand would like to set a target of at least 300 on this wicket for Pakistan to chase.

“I didn't think it was out, initially,” Blundell said when asked about stumping Sarfaraz Ahmed.

“But then obviously I saw it on the big screen and I saw his foot left in the air. Overall, pretty happy to get a stumping that’s pretty hard to come by. So, I'm pretty, pretty chuffed overall,” he said.

The 32-year-old praised Pakistani batter Saud Shakeel — who is batting at 124 — saying that he is a difficult man to get out. He also said that the wickets New Zealand took in last session of the game has brought them in a good position.

“I think to get those last few wickets at the end has really put us in a good position. I think the lead is about 40-50 odd so hopefully we can come tomorrow and get that last wicket and you know pile on the runs,” he said.

“I think he batted really well. He showed a lot of patience last night and then this morning and then to carry on and get 100. He is a very hard man to get out. You know, there were a couple opportunities there but he better really well,” Blundell said about Saud Shakeel of Pakistan.

Replying to a question, he said that the wicket is still easy to bat on and they’re aware of the fact that Pakistan has a batting line up that’s why New Zealand would want to put some good runs on board before asking Pakistan to chase.

“I think it's still pretty good to bat on,” he said.

“Probably 300 plus obviously,” he said when asked about what target New Zealand would have in their mind and added that “Pakistan a very good batting lineup having Babar and co, but we've to firstly get this last wicket tomorrow and then put on put on some runs and do that really well. So interesting time here and we're looking forward to it”. 

Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.

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