KARACHI: The Cricket fraternity of Pakistan were pleased with the wicketkeeper-batter Sarfaraz Ahmed’s first Test century since making his return to the national side after a gap of more than four years.
Sarfaraz, who last donned Pakistan’s Test jersey in 2019, announced himself in style amid the recently-concluded home Test series against New Zealand; courtesy of three half-centuries and a sensational hundred in the fourth innings of the second Test.
Coming out to bat at number six following skipper Babar Azam’s dismissal when Pakistan were struggling at 77/4 and soon slipped to 80/5, Sarfaraz scripted an astounding fightback for Pakistan with his gritty knock.
The wicketkeeper batter stitched a match-saving 123-run partnership with Saud Shakeel for the sixth wicket and kept Pakistan in the hunt in pursuit of a 319-run target.
His monumental efforts, however, could not guide Pakistan to what would have been a memorable victory but were enough to please the cricket fraternity, who appreciated Sarfaraz for his fighting knock.
Here’s how they reacted:
It is a draw but a great Test. Well played NZ and great fight Pakistan. Can’t explain how much Saifi bhai means to our generation. We all learnt leadership and team spirit and fighting spirit from him. May you get the best in life our kaptaan @SarfarazA_54. pic.twitter.com/BM13iUmEAE
— Shadab Khan (@76Shadabkhan) January 6, 2023
Sarfraz #thatsthetweet 🧏🏻
— Imad Wasim (@simadwasim) January 6, 2023
Congratulations @SarfarazA_54 on ur special return to test cricket. MOTM & MOTS will inspire youngsters to remain positive in life & keep working hard for the opportunity to rise. Dream performances 😍👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼. #PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/TeIDNh5uOc
— Mohammad Hafeez (@MHafeez22) January 6, 2023
Brilliant knock by Saifi bhai again. This is what hardwork and belief in Allah get you. Mujhe Saifi bhai k Man of the Series hone se aisi hi khushi jase ye mujhe mila ho. Balnk yaqeenan us se bhi zada. Khush rahain @SarfarazA_54 bhai.
— Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) January 6, 2023
What a brilliant knock @SarfarazA_54 a very well deserved 💯 at a very right time #PAKvNZ
— Kamran Akmal (@KamiAkmal23) January 6, 2023
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