The induction of a specialist wicketkeeper in team made the difference as Sarfraz Ahmed clinched six catches to equal the record of most catches by a wicketkeeper in a game. The result was a brave 29 run win over South Africa and which places Pakistan on third position in the group with 6 points and a Net Run Rate of -0.194.
It was indeed a thrilling match between South Africa and Pakistan. Tremendous wicket keeping by Sarfraz Ahmed showed that catches win matches and there is a dire need of a professional and trained wicketkeeper in Pakistan team.
Sarfraz Ahmed played as an opener and scored valuable 49 runs. Additionally, his record-equaling six catches was the most brilliant performance that was worth watching. Undoubtedly, he is a better option as compared to Umer Akmal who as a wicket keeper dropped very crucial catches in important matches.
Sarfraz did not play in previous four matches in the world cup as Waqar Younis, the head coach of Pakistan cricket team, was not sure about his batting skills. Waqar seemed to have forgotten the fact that Sarfraz scored quite well as an opener in October 2013 against Australia and had fetched 34 off 42 balls, 65 off 72 balls and 32 off 39 balls in three matches.
However, with his tremendous performance against South Africa proves that all the skepticism against him were imaginary. He talked through his actions which spoke louder than all dissenting voices.
Sarfraz thus is a welcome change for Pakistan as a top order batsman and a specialist wicket-keeper.
However, this now brings us to question the credibility and capability of PCB’s management committee. They seem to have been indulging in their personal favoritism than including players purely on their performance.
Nontheless, after this brilliant performance by Sarfraz, management should realize the importance of having a specialist wicket-keeper in the team.