Sarfaraz Ahmed notched his fourth Test century as Pakistan moved closer to safety against New Zealand in the current second Test in Karachi.
Day 5 started with the hosts down 0 for 2. They were in trouble at 80-5 but Sarfaraz Ahmed and Saud Shakeel helped right the ship. Before that, New Zealand declared their second innings at 277 for 5, with 74 runs apiece from Tom Blundell and Michael Bracewell.
New Zealand (449) earned a 41-run advantage after the first innings of both teams were completed.
PCB’s official Twitter handle shared a dressing room video of players celebrating Sarfraz’s hundred against the Kiwis.
Applause from the dressing room for a terrific knock 🙌#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/9FQ6nA8MpO
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) January 6, 2023
Indian sports journalists praised Sarfraz Ahmed for his comeback ton at a crucial moment.
Lost his captaincy, Out of the team, carried drinks for teammates. Never Vomited anything about Pakistan, other players or against Board. Performed in Domestic, Got Selected on merits. Made Comeback after 4 Years and Now He has scored Century.
That's Sarfaraz Ahmed. Kaptaan❣️ pic.twitter.com/neHmYA2kdr
— Avinash Aryan (@AvinashArya09) January 6, 2023
A Twitter user appreciated team unity by sharing pictures of Captain Babar Azam and Imam-Ul-Haq celebrating Sarfraz’s century.
See the reaction of Babar Azam,Imam Ul Haq on Sarfaraz Ahmed Century. Saifi bhai treats Babar Like his younger brother. Aur jab bada bhai, runs banaye to chhota bhai khush toh hoga hi.
Much love for Babar and Sarfaraz.#SarfarazAhmed #PakvsNZ #PakvsNZ Saifi bahi #SaveTheFuture pic.twitter.com/FHxcF8xPeB
— Imsha Rehman (@imshha_r) January 6, 2023
Social media users shared videos of Sarfraz century moments.
What a celebration ✨👌
Sarfraz 💯#PakvsNZ #SarfarazAhmed #NZvsPAK #MohammadAmir #Rizwan #SaudShakeel #ShadabKhan #BPL2023 #HassanAli #AsiaCup2023 pic.twitter.com/HUh7FBtikk— Urooj (@u_r_oo_j) January 6, 2023
A cricket enthusiast on Twitter celebrated Sarfraz’s hundred but questioned his keeping abilities and drop catches.
Pakistan will find them in a conundrum here. Saifi has been poor behind the stumps and superb infront of them.
Pretty much normal though. Age slows reflexes of a keeper but batters get better with age & experience.
— Imy (@PakCricket_) January 6, 2023