KARACHI: The chief of Pakistan Men’s interim selection committee Shahid Afridi hosted Babar Azam and his men for an honourary dinner to laud the team’s fighting spirit in the recently-concluded home Test series against New Zealand.

According to the details, all players and officials of the Pakistan Test and ODI squad attended the dinner hosted by Afridi at his residence on Saturday. Squash Legend Jahangir Khan was specially invited to the dinner to meet the national cricketers.

Meanwhile, ace Pakistan pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is not part of either squad due to injury, was also present on the occasion.

Details further suggest that interim chief selector Afridi praised the prominent performers of the home Test series, while the former captain will also share valuable tips with the ODI squad ahead of their home assignment.

It is pertinent to mention that Pakistan displayed astounding fightback to hold New Zealand for a thrilling draw in the series-deciding second Test.

The home side recovered from 80/5 down to 304/9 in pursuit of the 314-run target at the back of a gritty century from wicketkeeper batter Sarfaraz Ahmed and some handy contributions from Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha.

Pakistan’s batting tail comprising Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed then also showcased great determination as the duo survived 21 balls in the fading light to deny New Zealand a victory.

Pakistan will now play three-match One-Day international series against the touring side, starting tomorrow at National Bank Cricket Arena.

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