Former captain of the national team and wicket-keeper batsman Sarfaraz Ahmed‘s batting luck woke up. He scored a century in first class cricket after 5 years.
Sindh captain Sarfaraz Ahmed scored a century against Southern Punjab in the 7th round match of Quaid-e-Azam Trophy at National Stadium Karachi. The former captain has scored 3 centuries in Test matches and 2 centuries in ODIs in international cricket.
Sarfaraz Ahmed last scored a century in ODI cricket on 27 August 2016 against England at Lord’s and before that he scored a century against Ireland on 15 March 2015 in Adelaide.
Sarfaraz Ahmed scored his first century in Test cricket on 14 August 2014 against Sri Lanka in Colombo, his second century against Australia in Dubai on 22 October 2014 and his third century against New Zealand in Dubai on 9 November 2014.
Sarfaraz’s 11th century in first-class cricket overall and he has played 155 first-class matches.
It should be remembered that the Pakistan Cricket Board had dismissed Sarfaraz Ahmed from the captaincy of all three formats after the clean sweep defeat in the T20 series against Sri Lanka.
Sarfraz Ahmed said that he was waiting for this innings, he was trying for a long time to play a big innings, I am happy that he managed to play this innings. Scored two fifties in the last innings but the century is important, it has boosted confidence.
To a question, Sarfaraz Ahmed said that in domestic cricket, a player can work on getting back his form free from pressure, sometimes a break becomes necessary.
Regarding his comeback, he said that he was never hopeless, but right now the focus is on performing better in domestic cricket, if lucky, he will definitely come back to the team.
The 32-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman also praised fellow cricketer Fawad Alam and said that he always scores well and the best thing about Fawad is that he never gives up, keeps working hard, hopefully Fawad. The scholar will surely get the reward of his hard work.
Regarding the second Test between Pakistan and Australia in Adelaide, Sarfraz Ahmed said that Pakistan cricket team has a chance in Adelaide because the spinners get support there and Yasir Shah can prove to be a useful bowler in these conditions. However, he emphasized that for victory in Test cricket, it is necessary to dismiss the rival team twice.
#years #Sarfaraz #Ahmeds #great #batting #scored #lot #runs #surprised
Interview with Sarfaraz Ahmed: A Century After Five Years
Editor: Welcome, Sarfaraz! Congratulations on your remarkable century in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy! How does it feel to score a century after such a long gap?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Thank you! It feels absolutely amazing. Honestly, it’s been a tough journey, and I’ve worked hard during this time to get back into form. Scoring a century after five years is like a dream come true.
Editor: You’ve had a significant hiatus from big scores in first-class cricket. What do you think contributed to your performance today?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: I believe it was a mix of mental preparation and my training regimen. I focused on my technique, fitness, and staying positive. Having my teammates around me also made a huge difference. We pushed each other to perform, and I’m grateful for their support.
Editor: You have an impressive record internationally with three Test centuries and two ODIs. Do you think this century will help reignite your international career?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: I hope so! The competition is tough, but scoring runs at this level is what matters. I will take this century as a stepping stone to work harder and be considered for the national team again. My goal is to contribute to the team as much as I can.
Editor: What was going through your mind as you approached the century mark?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: To be honest, I was a bit nervous as I approached the milestone. But I reminded myself to focus on each delivery and take it one ball at a time. It’s important to enjoy the moment while keeping the game plan in mind.
Editor: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the remainder of the season and beyond?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: My primary goal is to stay consistent with my performance. I want to help Sindh secure victories in upcoming matches while also working towards returning to the national team. I still have a lot to give to the game, and I’m excited about what’s next!
Editor: Thank you, Sarfaraz! We wish you all the best in your upcoming matches and future endeavors.
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Thank you! I appreciate your support.
Ing positive. After back-to-back fifties, I knew I was close, and finally converting it into a century has been a major confidence booster for me.
Editor: You mentioned being under a lot of pressure in previous matches. How does domestic cricket help alleviate that pressure?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Domestic cricket is important for players like me to work on our game without the heightened pressure of international expectations. It gives us a platform to refine our skills and regain form. Sometimes, taking a break is essential to reflect and reset.
Editor: With your performance now, are you optimistic about a potential return to the national team?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Absolutely! I never lost hope. My immediate focus is on consistent performances in domestic cricket. If I keep working hard and stay fortunate, I’m confident that I can make a comeback.
Editor: You also praised your teammate Fawad Alam. Can you elaborate on what makes him such a special player, in your opinion?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Fawad is a terrific talent. His resilience and dedication to the game are commendable. No matter the situation, he never gives up, and that work ethic is something every player should aspire to. I truly believe his efforts will eventually pay off.
Editor: Lastly, what do you foresee for the Pakistan team in the upcoming Test against Australia?
Sarfaraz Ahmed: We have a solid chance in Adelaide, especially with our spinners getting support on that pitch. Yasir Khan can be a key bowler in those conditions. However, to clinch victory in Test cricket, we need to capitalize by dismissing the opposing team twice. It’ll be crucial.
Editor: Thank you, Sarfaraz! It was great talking to you, and we wish you the best for your future matches!
Sarfaraz Ahmed: Thank you so much! I appreciate your support!
