Legendary Pakistan cricketer showers praise on Sarfaraz Ahmed for his comeback knock against New Zealand

Sarfaraz Ahmed (Source: Twitter)

Sarfaraz Ahmed looked in sensational form on his comeback to Test cricket during the first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi. The former Pakistan captain came to the crease with his team on 110/4 on Day 1 and took the team out of misery by forming a brilliant partnership with Babar Azam. Sarfaraz scored a brilliant 86 off 153 balls with the help of nine fours.

He eventually lost his wicket to Ajaz Patel in the 86th over leaving Pakistan at 306/5. He edged a full delivery to Daryl Mitchell at first slip for a catch while looking to drive it. The catch was referred to the third umpire and replays showed confirmed that it was a clean catch, ending Sarfaraz's 196-run stand with Babar.

Shahid Afridi, who has been recently appointed as the interim chief selector for PCB, lavished praise on the veteran cricketer and stated that he 'proved his selection right'. Taking to Twitter, the former player wrote, "Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure."

Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 26, 2022

The knock was also a huge statement by Sarfaraz, who is playing his first Test in almost four years and his very first one at home. Speaking after Day 1, Sarfaraz revealed that the match felt like his debut and his 'heartbeat was very fast'. "You asked me about my feelings when I walked out to bat before lunch. If someone would have checked my heartbeat, the meter would have exploded", he said.

It felt like my debut: Sarfaraz Ahmed

"Heartbeat was very fast and it felt like my debut. I was playing after a long time and it was also a crunch situation. During lunch, people who have played with me in the past asked me to relax. I told them about my heartbeat which was very fast. When I walked back in, Babar gave me a lot of confidence. As a senior player, the way he carried me along - I needed a bit of confidence. When you play a match on comeback, it feels like the first time. Babar gave me confidence and Allah takes care of me", he further added.

Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 438 on Day 2 courtesy of centuries from Agha Salman and Babar Azam. New Zealand got a good start from their openers Tom Latham and Devon Conway who took them to tea on Day 2 at 41/0.