KARACHI: Pakistan’s left-handed middle-order batter Saud Shakeel who brought up his maiden Test century on the third day of the ongoing second Test against New Zealand, shared it was always his dream to score his first hundred at his home ground.
Coming out to bat when Pakistan were struggling at 99/3, Saud displayed sheer grit as he batted for almost four sessions and settled things down for the hosts with his fighting century.
Following the achievement, the left-handed batter expressed satisfaction and claimed it was always his dream to score his maiden century on his home ground.
“First of all, thanks to Almighty Allah as I managed to score my first century. I scored my maiden first-class century at [National Bank Cricket Arena] and I was hopeful for scoring my first international century here,” said Saud.
“Because the ground you grow up playing in, you know a lot about it,” he added.
Saud then also credited wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed for guiding him in the process as he shared he got nervous in the 90s.
“I think when he was at the crease with me when I was in my 90s, I got a bit nervous during a couple of overs but he told me not to take tension and I will get there,” shared Saud.
“He’s a very senior player and I have played beside him since my childhood so it was fortunate for me that he was there and guided me really well and by the will of Allah, I scored a century,” he added.
It is worth mentioning that left-handed middle-order batter Saud 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: New Zealand keeper Blundell comments on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s dismissal
