Propfile of Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Sarfaraz Ahmed

Propfile of Sarfaraz Ahmed

Born on May 22, 1987, Sarfraz Ahmed is a wicket-keeper-batsman for Pakistan. He represents Karachi in the domestic arena. Sarfraz, became famous after his Under-19 performances; he led his troops exceedingly well in a high pressure 2006 Under-9 World Cup final against India to defeat the arch-rivals by 38 runs in a low-scoring game. This awe-inspiring performance came after his batsmen were bundled out for a paltry 109 runs, batting first. His words were so energetic that, in response, his bowlers reduced India to 9/6, eventually bowling them out for 71 runs to clinch the thriller. This feat not just gave Pakistan the World Cup, but also gave them another tag, as the only country to defend the title in the history of the tournament. 

When keeper Kamran Akmal sustained an injury, his leadership skills and the knowledge about the game forced the selectors to draw him into the Pakistan ODI squad which toured India in 2007. Eventually, he made his debut on November 18 in Jaipur, the same year. 

In 2008, he was preferred ahead of an out-of-form Akmal for the Asia Cup and he did a fine job with gloves behind the wicket. The 2012 Asia Cup was even better for Sarfraz. When his side was in trouble in the final against Bangladesh, Sarfraz stood firm alongside the lower-order and top-scored in the innings with an unbeaten 46 to give Pakistan a respectable total. It proved very crucial as after a few hours his side lifted the Asia Cup, beating the hosts by just two runs. 

He made his Test debut against Australia on January 14, 2010 in Hobart and soon was dropped. He was recalled for national duty for the South African tour, during which he played three Test matches. Unfortunately, he could perform well only in the last Test match in Centurion. He kept his place in the side for the home Test series against Sri Lanka and did fairly well, including a quick-fire knock in the second innings of the third Test, which saw Pakistan pull off a dramatic win in Sharjah. 

The ODI format has not been that kind for the right-hander as he failed to impress against Zimbabwe in their own backyard. The selectors ignored him for the World T20 as well. Whenever he is not on national duty, Sarfraz plays in the domestic circuit to keep himself in good shape. 

Sarfraz grew in stature as a wicket-keeper batsman in 2014. He surged ahead of Kamran Akmal and Adnan Akmal and is now the preferred keeper for Pakistan across all three formats. The change in fortunes for Sarfraz started on the Sri Lanka tour, where he scored his maiden Test ton and a couple of fifties. He carried that form to the ODI series involving Australia and the subsequent Test series. Sarfraz had a successful time against Australia and New Zealand. Due to his good form, the selectors persisted with him in the short forms of the game as well. He was also named in the 15-man World Cup squad. 

Source;Born on May 22, 1987, Sarfraz Ahmed is a wicket-keeper-batsman for Pakistan. He represents Karachi in the domestic arena. Sarfraz, became famous after his Under-19 performances; he led his troops exceedingly well in a high pressure 2006 Under-9 World Cup final against India to defeat the arch-rivals by 38 runs in a low-scoring game. This awe-inspiring performance came after his batsmen were bundled out for a paltry 109 runs, batting first. His words were so energetic that, in response, his bowlers reduced India to 9/6, eventually bowling them out for 71 runs to clinch the thriller. This feat not just gave Pakistan the World Cup, but also gave them another tag, as the only country to defend the title in the history of the tournament. 

When keeper Kamran Akmal sustained an injury, his leadership skills and the knowledge about the game forced the selectors to draw him into the Pakistan ODI squad which toured India in 2007. Eventually, he made his debut on November 18 in Jaipur, the same year. 

In 2008, he was preferred ahead of an out-of-form Akmal for the Asia Cup and he did a fine job with gloves behind the wicket. The 2012 Asia Cup was even better for Sarfraz. When his side was in trouble in the final against Bangladesh, Sarfraz stood firm alongside the lower-order and top-scored in the innings with an unbeaten 46 to give Pakistan a respectable total. It proved very crucial as after a few hours his side lifted the Asia Cup, beating the hosts by just two runs. 

He made his Test debut against Australia on January 14, 2010 in Hobart and soon was dropped. He was recalled for national duty for the South African tour, during which he played three Test matches. Unfortunately, he could perform well only in the last Test match in Centurion. He kept his place in the side for the home Test series against Sri Lanka and did fairly well, including a quick-fire knock in the second innings of the third Test, which saw Pakistan pull off a dramatic win in Sharjah. 

The ODI format has not been that kind for the right-hander as he failed to impress against Zimbabwe in their own backyard. The selectors ignored him for the World T20 as well. Whenever he is not on national duty, Sarfraz plays in the domestic circuit to keep himself in good shape. 

Sarfraz grew in stature as a wicket-keeper batsman in 2014. He surged ahead of Kamran Akmal and Adnan Akmal and is now the preferred keeper for Pakistan across all three formats. The change in fortunes for Sarfraz started on the Sri Lanka tour, where he scored his maiden Test ton and a couple of fifties. He carried that form to the ODI series involving Australia and the subsequent Test series. Sarfraz had a successful time against Australia and New Zealand. Due to his good form, the selectors persisted with him in the short forms of the game as well. He was also named in the 15-man World Cup squad.

Source; cricbuzz