KARACHI: New Zealand wicketkeeper Tom Blundell commented on the debated dismissal of his Pakistani counterpart Sarfaraz Ahmed and shared his initial take on the “lucky” breakthrough.
Blundell talked to the media following the conclusion of the third day’s action of the ongoing second Test and responded to a question regarding Sarfaraz’s stumping by stating at first he did not think it was out.
“At first, I don’t think it was out. Umm, and then obviously looking on the big screen, you know there was a bit of chance and for me, it was just to get the bails off as quick as possible,” said Blundell.
“And, you know fortunately for me it was the perfect timing,” he added.
Notably, Sarfaraz, who scored his third consecutive half-century since his return; courtesy of a magnificent 78-run knock in the first innings of the ongoing second Test, endured a frustrating end to his brave knock.
Daryll Mitchell bowled the third delivery of the 100th over full on the leg side and deceived Sarfaraz with his counterpart Blundell dislodging the bails sharply and leg-umpire referred the decision to the third umpire Ahsan Raza.
After watching various replays from multiple angles, Ahsan decided that Sarfaraz had nothing grounded behind the crease and thus, gave him out.
Sarfaraz’s dismissal has enraged cricket fans, who are convinced that the dismissal was umpiring blunder and that the wicketkeeper batter deserved to be given the benefit of doubt.
It is pertinent to mention that left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel put up a brave fight with his gritty maiden Test century and barred New Zealand from bundling out the hosts as Pakistan hung on for 407/9 at the Stumps.
Starting from an overnight score of 154/3, Pakistan added 253 runs to the total and lost six wickets throughout the day, with Saud and Sarfaraz Ahmed punching an astounding partnership of 150 runs before New Zealand made a comeback in the game.
Saud (124*) and Abrar Ahmed (0*) will now resume Pakistan’s first innings on the fourth day as the hosts still trail by 42 runs.
READ: Saud defies New Zealand attack as Pakistan hold on to 407/9 at Stumps
