The selection of the wicketkeeper for the Pakistani national cricket team has been a subject of debate among fans and experts. On the one hand, some argue that Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has a strong record in Test cricket, should be selected. On the other hand, others argue that Mohammad Rizwan, who has replaced Sarfaraz as the first-choice wicketkeeper across all formats in recent years, should be the preferred option.
Sarfaraz has not played as much cricket in recent years, as he was not selected for the national team during the tenure of former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) management. However, he made an impact with two half-centuries in his recent Test match against New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Rizwan has been consistently performing well as a wicketkeeper and batsman, leading some to argue that he should not be dropped from the playing eleven.
To make an informed decision, it is important to evaluate the statistics and performance of both players. Sarfaraz has a higher overall wicketkeeping record with 357 dismissals in 272 innings, including 302 catches and 55 stumpings. Rizwan, on the other hand, has 151 dismissals in 148 innings, including 138 catches and 13 stumpings.
In Test cricket specifically, Sarfaraz has a strong record with 21 stumpings and 147 catches in 96 innings. Rizwan has 71 dismissals in 45 Test innings, including 69 catches and 2 stumpings.
In terms of batting, both players have similar averages, with Sarfaraz averaging 37.28 from his 2796 runs in 50 Tests, and Rizwan averaging 38.13 from his 1373 runs in 27 Tests.
In conclusion, both Sarfaraz and Rizwan have proven themselves as skilled and efficient wicketkeepers. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the current form and performance of the players, as well as the team’s needs and strategy.
