PAK vs NZ: Babar heaps praise on Sarfaraz

Wicketkeeper scored a century during the second Test against New Zealand

By Web Desk
January 06, 2023
Sarfaraz Ahmed scored 335 runs in four innings against New Zealand — AP

Pakistan skipper Babar Azam heaped praise on Sarfaraz Ahmed after his sensational performance throughout the Test series against New Zealand.

The former captain delivered with the bat as he smashed 86 before losing his wicket to Ajaz Patel in the first innings of the opening Test, while in the second innings, he scored 53 runs.

In the second Test, the batter gathered 78 runs before getting out after a controversial decision.

However, the batter kept his best knock for the second innings of the final Test as he smashed 118 runs in 176 balls — his first century since 2014.

Babar lauded the wicketkeeper-batter's performance after the conclusion of the Test series.

"Sarfaraz Ahmed's comeback was brilliant. Whenever he got a chance, he proved it," Babar said in a press conference.

"Saifi [Sarfaraz] bhai did not let the fire die within him in four years. Work ethic was always there and continued to wait for his turn. We could've won also briefly, and it was because of his confidence and belief," he added. 

However, despite Sarfaraz's extraordinary innings, Pakistan fell only 15 runs short of the 319-run target.

After Sarfaraz got to his century, it appeared for a brief while that Pakistan would easily win the game.

However, Michael Bracewell dismissed the wicketkeeper-batter in the game's closing stages as Pakistan battled to a draw in the dimming light.

It is worth mentioning here Sarfaraz, who had last played in January 2019 before this series, had to wait for three years, 11 months, and 15 days to don Pakistan's Test shirt once again.

Comments