KARACHI: The two-Test series between New Zealand and Pakistan ended in a winless stalemate after the drawn second Test at Karachi’s National Stadium on Friday.
Chasing 319 for victory on a dramatic final day, Pakistan reached 304-9 when bad light stopped.
Sarfaraz Ahmed topscored for the hosts with a counter-attacking 118, while spinner Michael Bracewell was pick of the New Zealand bowlers, claiming 4-75.
The opening Test, also played in Karachi, ended in a draw as well.
‘Kaptaan, Leader, Legend’: Cricketers rejoice Sarfaraz’s final-day ton
Pakistan cricket team players were all over the moon after Sarfaraz Ahmed scored a century on the final day of the second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand on Friday.
The wicket-keeper batsman achieved the feat on his hometown after making a comeback to the national team with a gap of almost four years. It was his first hundred since 2014, and fourth overall.
Pakistan required 319 at the start of the day five with two wickets down. Sarfaraz stayed determined throughout the day despite fall of wickets, steering Pakistan closer to victory.
Following are the tweets from Sarfaraz’s former and current teammates celebrating his achievement.
Happy with Sarfaraz’s performance but Rizwan is our first choice: Shahid Afridi
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)’s interim chief selector Shahid Afridi has backed Mohammad Rizwan over Sarfaraz Ahmed as the prime wicketkeeper of men’s national team.
“I’m very happy that Saifi has made a comeback and given such amazing performance, but Mohammad Rizwan is available and he is our main wicket-keeper in both T20Is and ODIs,” said Afridi in a press conference on Thursday.
Sarfaraz Ahmed was not included in the 16-member ODI squad announced by the selection committee for the three-match series against New Zealand in Karachi.
While answering a question regarding Sarfaraz’s non-inclusion, Afridi said they’ll consider him only if Rizwan in unavailable. “God forbid if Rizwan gets injured or if he’s tired, we’ll then consider other options. Let’s not mix someone’s Test performance with that of limited overs,” he said.
The former cricketer said they are also considering other wicket-keeping options in limited overs. “We have (Mohammad) Haris and we’re grooming him,” he said.
“He’ll be sent on Pakistan A tours. He’s a very good option in T20Is if Rizwan is not available.”
Three uncapped players have been added to the limited-overs squad including Kamran Ghulam, Tayyab Tahir and Usama Mir.
Afridi, however, suggested that the newcomers should only get a chance if the series outcome is apparent after the first two ODIs.
“We have so many seniors in the team and we can’t have them warming the bench while junior youngsters play,” he said. “But if we win the first two successive ODIs, we’ll consider giving them a chance.”
Pakistan’s vice-captain Shadab Khan has been ruled out of the ODI squad for the upcoming series due to injury.
“I spoke to Shadab and while he sounded reluctant. He said he could play the ODIs against NZ,” Afridi said.
“I asked him to take the ball next morning and see where he stands. He bowled today morning and was not feeling comfortable in his finger, so we are resting him and giving Usama Mir a chance.”
Pakistan will play three ODIs against New Zealand starting from Jan 9 to Jan 13 at National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi.
