According to Pakistan Cricket Board interim chief selector Shahid Afridi, Sarfaraz Ahmed helped Pakistan recover after losing early wickets on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Monday (PCB).
The newly appointed management committee of the national cricket governing body announced the formation of an interim selection committee.
Afridi was appointed chairman of the selection committee, which also included Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum.
To accept a permanent position on the board, Afridi had to resign. Haroon Rashid, a member of the PCB management committee, will serve as convener.
After Pakistan’s top order collapsed, the hosts were 110-4 in 28.4 overs.
But skipper Babar Azam and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed helped Pakistan save itself and reach 317 at the end of the day.
Sarfaraz was sent back to the pavilion despite scoring 86 runs off 153 balls, while Babar remained at the crease until the end of the play.
Meanwhile, Afridi took to Twitter to heap special praise on Babar and Sarfaraz, saying Sarfaraz proved his choice was correct.
Pleased with Pakistan’s performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding inning, Shahid Tweeted.
Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure, Afridi added.
Furthermore, Babar finished the first day with 161 runs off 277 balls, while Agha Salman was unbeaten on three runs off 16 balls.
On the first day, the hosts reached 317 for five at stumps.
