CARDIFF: Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed was a happy man, why not? He became Pakistan’s match winner by playing an innings of a lifetime to snatch a win from the jaws of defeat with a mature 61 not out.
Pakistan were down and out at 162-7 while chasing a modest 237 to win. But Sarfraz and Mohammad Amir added 75 for an unbroken eighth wicket stand to take Pakistan to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy at Cardiff.
Luck also smiled on Sarfraz as he was dropped twice by Sri Lankan fielders, first by experienced Thisara Perera on 38 and two runs later by substitute fielder Seekkuge Prasanna.
Sarfraz termed the win as “great.”
“First of all, thanks to almighty Allah. I think it’s a great win today, and credit goes to the bowlers today. They bowled really well at a crucial time. We took the wicket today and upped the batting order.
“Especially Fakhar Zaman, he played really well. Yeah, a little bit concern about the middle order batting. Definitely we’re sitting tomorrow, and we’ll sort out the problems.”
Read More: Sarfraz takes Pakistan to Champions Trophy semi-finals
Sarfraz termed his innings as responsible one.
“Definitely, as a captain, it’s very important inning for me. After this inning, I’m really boosted up and hopefully we will do well in the future.”
🎥⭐ Star Performer: A gutsy unbeaten 61 from @SarfarazA_54 helped @TheRealPCB avoid a middle order wobble and seal a semi spot! #SLvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/MXMVdBGTen
— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2017
Sarfraz admitted he sighed a relief when he saw Perera dropped his catch.
“You know, that time I didn’t see the hand of Malinga, and when I played the shot in the air, I just said, ooh — (laughter). But thanks to Allah — you know, thanks to Allah today. Allah has passed a law today that Pakistan win today.”
🎥🇱🇰 At one stage it looked as if @OfficialSLC might tear through Pakistan, but it wasn’t to be. Watch the wickets fall here! #SLvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/0ldKZmNI2P
— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2017
Sarfraz hoped his team will be at their best against title favourites and hosts England.
“England is a very good team, a very, very good team. They’ve been playing really good cricket for the last two years. If you’re playing a world class team, definitely, you play more positive cricket against England. So definitely, we will do against England more positively.”
🎥🇵🇰 Top shots from @TheRealPCB innings, including a game-winning 75 run partnership between @SarfarazA_54 and @iamamirofficial #SLvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/iC0WZBchSQ
— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2017
“Yeah, we played against England here. Last time we played almost full series here. We win that time, so definitely our confidence was very high playing at Cardiff.”
Sarfraz said he seeks support from former players and fans when the team loses a match.
🎥🇵🇰 Watch all 10 wickets with @JunaidkhanREAL and @realha55an each taking three as @TheRealPCB dismissed Sri Lanka for 236 #SLvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/TbS6h476Bo
— ICC (@ICC) June 12, 2017
“This victory is a great victory for this young team and for Pakistan cricket,” said Sarfraz. “We don’t get support when we lose so it hurts and to make this team a good unit we need support from everyone in every situation.”
