Former Pakistani cricketer Basit Ali added that Sarfaraz Khan needed to work on playing the drive. He suggested that bowlers would look to target the right-handed batter’s weakness in the coming matches as well. Basit also added that Sarfaraz is very strong with shots like the pull, cut and scoop but driving the ball remains a concern as well.

In his latest YouTube video, he said, “The weakness that I noticed in him is that he is a little dodgy while playing the drive. He hits cut, pull and scoop beautifully but is not very good with his drives. Compared to yesterday, Sarfaraz played differently today. He was hitting sixes yesterday, but today, he played with caution. He wanted to play ball-to-ball till the time Rishabh Pant was at the crease.”

However, Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant added a stunning 177-4 run partnership for the fourth wicket as well, giving the home team some hope. However, New Zealand turned things around with the second new ball, bowling out for 462.

“Their partnership was brilliant. It was a privilege to watch their knocks, especially Sarfaraz Khan’s. He showed that the performers of domestic cricket are true performers. He scored a century at No. 4, just like how Kamran Ghulam did for Pakistan. He has tasted success in domestic cricket so he knows how to tackle the spinners and fast bowlers,” he added.

Meanwhile, Basit Ali also believes that Team India should rest senior batter KL Rahul for the second Test of the ongoing home series
against New Zealand as well.

“Once Shubman Gill is fit, there should not be an injustice to Sarfaraz Khan. KL Rahul should be rested now. People rate him very highly, but his performances haven’t been like that. He did very well in South Africa but hasn’t done the same in home matches. A lot depended on KL Rahul after Sarfaraz Khan and Rishabh Pant got out. He has played a lot of Test matches and is everyone’s favorite. However, he disappointed me today,” he concluded.