Pak vs NZ 1st Test: Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmad Misses Two Easy Stumpings In NZ Test

2023/01/05

Pakistan Cricket Team Wicket-Keeper Sarfaraz Ahmed endured a torrid time on the field as the Men in Green could not restrict New Zealand Cricket Team on Day 3 of the first Test match.

Pak vs NZ 1st Test: Pakistan’s Sarfaraz Ahmad Misses Two Easy Stumpings In NZ Test

The sloppiness shown by the Pakistan Cricket Team wicket-keeper adds to the frustration of Babar Azam and Pakistan Cricket Team bowlers, who know nothing is meaningful for the bowlers on the flat Karachi pitch.

Pakistan Cricket Team are yet to win a Test match at home in 2022, drawing two and losing four. Their last Test win was against Sri Lanka in July. If they want to break this winless streak, they must produce a better effort on the field.

Is Sarfaraz The Best Wicket-Keeper For Pakistan Cricket Team?

Many questions surrounded Sarfaraz Ahmed's return to Test cricket as he replaced Muhammad Rizwan. However, he justified his selection on the first day by scoring a fantastic 86 and making a huge partnership with Azam.

Is Sarfaraz The Best Wicket-Keeper For Pakistan Cricket Team?

However, the flaws in Sarfaraz Ahmed's wicket keeping started to show from Day 2. Firstly, he didn't take the review for a caught behind on Conway, who appeared to have nicked it.

However, the problems in the field exploded on Day 3. In the 77th over, the former skipper missed an easy stumping chance to dismiss Williamson, who was on 21 then.

[Sarfaraz misses an easy stumping chance to dismiss Williamson]

Nauman Ali's flight completely deceived the right-handed batsman. However, the ball didn't stick in Sarfaraz Ahmed's gloves.

The Champions-trophy winning captain also missed a stumping chance earlier in the batter's innings. However, it was a difficult chance down the leg side.

The lapses from Sarfaraz Ahmed have once again raised question marks over his keeping abilities and whether he can be a good backup option to Rizwan in Tests.

The Karachi native wasn't selected for the upcoming ODI series against New Zealand Cricket Team as Rizwan and Muhammad Haris are the preferred wicket-keepers.

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Who Has The Upper Hand?

Pakistan Cricket Team skipper Azam won the toss and chose to bat. They made two changes to the side that lost the third Test against England. Sarfaraz Ahmed and Mir Hamza returned to the Test team after a lengthy break, replacing Rizwan and Faheem Ashraf.

On the other hand, Tim Southee played his first Test as captain of the Black Caps, replacing Williamson in this role.

Pakistan Cricket Team were bowled out for 438 in the first innings. Skipper Azam led from the front by scoring 161, whereas Salman Ali Agha scored his first Test ton to stretch Pakistan Cricket Team's score beyond 400.

Pakistan vs New Zealand: Who Has The Upper Hand?

New Zealand Cricket Team skipper Southee was the pick of the bowlers with three wickets, including the crucial scalps of Azam and Agha, in that order.

Similar to the last England series, Pakistan Cricket Team bowlers were helpless as New Zealand Cricket Team openers took them to the cleaners. Tom Latham scored his 13th Test century, which made him the most successful Kiwi opener in this format.

The left-handed batsman moved John Wright's tally of 12 Test centuries by a New Zealand Cricket Team opener. He was heavily supported by Devon Conway, who scored 92. The pair had an opening stand of 183 before Ali dismissed Conway.

Shortly after, Latham failed on the reverse sweep as Sarfaraz Ahmed caught him. Former New Zealand Cricket Team skipper Williamson also joined in the act by scoring his 25th Test century as the World Cup runner-ups eliminated Pakistan Cricket Team's lead.

At the end of Day 3, the Black Caps finished with 440 for the loss of six wickets, with Williamson unbeaten at 105 and Ish Sodhi at 1.

It was all about hard work for the Pakistan Cricket Team bowlers, especially Abrar Sarfaraz Ahmed and Ali. The two spinners have now bowled a combined 90 overs at the end of Day 3.

More Cricket Related News

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  2. Virat Kohli News: Virat Kohli Drops Multiple Catches In 2nd Bangladesh Test Match
  3. Pakistan’s Salman Agha Brings Up Fighting Century In Karachi
  4. Brendon McCullum Breaks Down England Cricket Team’s History
  5. Pak vs Eng Watch: Azhar Ali Walks Back One Last Time As Pakistan Cricket Test Batsman

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