Wasim Akram, a legendary pacer, has praised wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed following the second Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi on Friday.
In the match, Pakistan’s last pair, Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed, held out for 21 balls in fading light while Sarfaraz hit a century to prevent New Zealand from securing a victory, resulting in a sensational draw.
Akram took to Twitter to express his pride in Sarfaraz, saying, “we all are super proud of you [Sarfaraz].” New Zealand were on the verge of a series-clinching win after dismissing Sarfaraz for a career-best 118 with 39 balls left in the match.
What a knock from @SarfarazA_54 and that too under pressure in fourth innings . We all are super proud of you ?. #PAKvNZ
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) January 6, 2023
However, as the sun set, Naseem scored 15, and Ahmed scored seven to guide Pakistan to 304-9 in pursuit of a 319-run target, leading umpires Alex Wharf and Aleem Dar to declare the light too poor to continue with three overs remaining.
The two-match series ended in a 0-0 draw after the first Test, also held in Karachi, also ended in a draw. This marks the first time in 53 years that New Zealand have not won a series in Pakistan.
Sarfaraz’s century, his first in eight years and fourth overall helped Pakistan recover from a difficult position and fight for the draw. Sarfaraz ended the series with 335 runs, including three fifties and a hundred.
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