PAK vs NZ: Sarfaraz Ahmed Takes Over As Pakistan's Stand-In Captain With Babar Azam Down With Flu

PAK vs NZ: It's been a comeback to remember so far for Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Pakistan's Sarfaraz Ahmed celebrates after scoring a half-century (50 runs) during the first day of the first cricket Test match between Pakistan and New Zealand at the National Stadium in Karachi on December 26, 2022.

Source : Asif HASSAN / AFP

What a turnaround it has been for former Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed. At one point, it seemed like this is surely end of the road for the cricketer in international cricket but not only did the 35-year-old made use of his first chance in the Test team in 4 years with a solid 86 off 153 balls but now finds himself leading Pakistan on Day 3 of the Karachi Test against New Zealand.

Notably, with Pakistan's regular captain Babar Azam not taking the field on Wednesday as he had contracted a viral flu and Mohammad Rizwan not allowed as per the rules to take decisions as he was not part of the Playing 11 and came in as a substitute, it was Sarfaraz who got to stand-in as the team's captain.

The wicketkeeper-batter also made a superb DRS call in the 53rd over of the innings when he decided to go for a review after the on-field umpire had deemed Devon Conway not out on the bowling of Nauman Ali. The stand-in skipper's call ensured that the decision was overturned in Pakistan's decision.

New Zealand Looking Good in Response to Pakistan's 438

In response to Pakistan's 438 which they got to, thanks to hundreds from Babar and Agha Salman, in addition to Sarfarz's knock, the Kiwis find themselves in a great position, having crossed 320 already with the fall of just 3 wickets. Tom Latham scored 113 for the visitors while Conway missed out on a hundred, getting out for 92. Captain Kane Williamson has also got to his half-century and would be hoping to convert it into a hundred and help the Blackcaps take a substantial lead.

Nauman Ali and Abrar Ahmed have been the wicket-takers so far for Pakistan. For the visitors, it was Tim Southee who was the pick of the bowlers, finishing with figures of 3/69 but Ajaz Patel, Michael Bracewell and Ish Sodhi also scalped 2 wickets each.