Pakistan’s experienced wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed left everyone impressed with his brilliant knock of 86 runs against New Zealand in the Karachi Test but he is having a terrible outing with his wicket-keeping skills. He missed an important stumping opportunity and a couple of catches as well and then went on to make a mistake that cost Pakistan 5 penalty runs.
The Kiwis have put themselves in a commanding position in the opening game of the two-match Test series. New Zealand’s top three Conway, Latham, and Williamson scored a plethora of runs while facing the Pakistan bowlers but it was the mistakes made by the Pakistan team on the field that made things worse for them.
One such rare instance took place in the 160th over bowled by Nauman Ali. The third ball of his over was pitched down the leg stump and didn’t turn enough to trouble Kane Williamson as he just tried padding the delivery but the ball missed his pads. Pakistan wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed also failed to grab the ball and it went through his legs and then made contact with his helmet lying on the ground and then sped past the ropes.
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As a result, New Zealand received five penalty runs as per ICC’s Law 28.3.3. Sarfaraz Ahmed was already on the radar of Pakistan cricket fans as he had missed a crucial stumping chance of Williamson and a couple of catches as well. This rare mistake made by the 36-year-old wicketkeeper brought him more criticism on his return to Test cricket after four long years.
Here is the video of the incident:
"We have to stop for a concussion protocol?" 🤔
Five penalty runs to New Zealand after the ball hits the helmet 🪖#PAKvNZ | #TayyariKiwiHai pic.twitter.com/JtFelmUgal
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 29, 2022
Former New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson made a partnership of 159 runs for the seventh wicket on the fourth day along with Ish Sodhi who scored a hard-fought 65. This partnership helped the Kiwis side to put in a strong total of 612-9 before declaring the innings and calling Pakistan batters to bat in the second innings.
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At the end of the day’s play on Day 4, Pakistan is placed at 77-2 and they are still trailing behind the New Zealand total by 97 runs as they will try to save the test on the last day on a rather flat-looking Karachi pitch.
