PAK vs NZ | Twitter consoles returning Sarfaraz Ahmed for missing out on well-deserved hundred after valiantly batting with pain

12/26/2022

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There have been numerous incidents of players batting through injuries, and in the past, whenever their knocks played key roles in their teams’ rescue, it became more special. Such a gem of an innings came off the bat of Sarfaraz Ahmed on Monday during his first Test match after almost four years.

Pakistan’s 2017 Champions Trophy-winning captain Sarfaraz Ahmed made headlines on Monday when his long-awaited return was confirmed by Babar Azam during the toss time of Pakistan’s first Test against New Zealand in Karachi. Before the New Zealand fixture, the 35-year-old last played for Pakistan against South Africa in January 2019 and had been sidelined due to the rise of Mohammad Rizwan in recent years. However, he grabbed the opportunity with both hands when his chance to shine with the bat finally came.

Opting to bat, Pakistan slipped to 48/3, and then 110/4 at one point. At No. 6, Sarfaraz then walked down to the middle and stitched a magnificent 196-run stand to steady the ship. After reaching his 19th fifty, he was limping for a while and required medical treatment for some time. Everyone thought he might not be able to continue any further with such pain. However, he held on and batted flawlessly until the 86th over of the innings, when he tried to drive Ajaz Patel’s fullish delivery, only to edge it to Daryl Mitchell at first slip.

The way he was batting, many had thought his fourth Test hundred was on the cards to make his return even more special. However, they ended up disappointed as Sarfaraz returned to the pavilion after hitting 86 off 153 balls with the help of nine fours.

Meanwhile, Pakistan are in control at stumps on Day 1 of the first Test, courtesy of Babar Azam’s unbeaten 161 which helped them close on 317/5.

Heartbreak for Sarfaraz!

pic.twitter.com/LkIAOTdJ0B
— MAHARAJ JI (@MAHARAJ96620593) December 26, 2022

Great one!

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

LOL!

Rizwan watching this Sarfaraz knock today. pic.twitter.com/voKk1uuEUt
— Fa.🫶 (@FakhirFCB) December 26, 2022

Extraordinary innings

Sarfaraz Ahmed is dismissed on 86, he was struggling with a niggle but he kept fighting. Missed out on a well deserved century, An extraordinary innings on his comeback under immense pressure 👏👏

Well played, warrior ♥️#PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/HCX3GSdENi
— 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐚𝐥 𝐀𝐡𝐦𝐚𝐝♕︎ (@danyal_says_) December 26, 2022

Just beautiful

Beautiful scenes, Rizwan appreciating Sarfaraz Ahmad he got out after playing brilliant knock of 86. That’s Pakistan Team for you! 🇵🇰 🫶 @SarfarazA_54 #SarfarazAhmed #PakvsNZ pic.twitter.com/OQ4OETU7cw
— Ahtasham Riaz (@AhtashamRiaz_) December 26, 2022

Back with a bang

Sarfaraz is back with a bang. Well played. Now .... Mir Hamza.... This test is actually test due to Pakistan is Fighting Machine now... Thanks to Shahid Afridi and Najam Sethi.#BabarAzam𓃵 #PakvsNZ

#SarfarazAhmed #PAKvNZ #BabarAzam #ramizraja #najamsethi
— imran ismail zai (@imranismailzai) December 26, 2022

Dil khush

Century nae hoe koe bt nae lakin bht acha khelga sarfaraz bhai apny aj dil khush hogya ❤❤❤❤ pic.twitter.com/x2o1tgXAvX
— Ashfaq Ahmed (@AshfaqA71127359) December 26, 2022

Top class

The best strikers against spin in Tests. Sarfaraz among the top batters. #PakvNZ pic.twitter.com/92p45WBKA9
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) December 26, 2022

The best

RIZWAN appreciating SARFARAZ is the best thing I have seen today ♥️

Haters gonna hate !#PAKvNZ pic.twitter.com/sc0cYU1fqo
— Ayesha Siddiqua💜Eman and Mishaal Api's day ❤️🎂 (@asiddiqua7) December 26, 2022

Saifi bhai!