Pakistan vs World XI 2017: Sarfraz Ahmed Delighted with Game’s Return to Pakistan
Sep 13, 2017 at 11:59 AM
As far as the Pakistan cricket team and their fans are concerned, there is nothing better at present than the game’s return to their land after a painful exile.
That exile came to an end last night, as a coalition outfit of World XI, led by South African captain Faf du Plessis was involved in a high scoring T20 game against the hosts, at the ever iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Batting first on what was a good deck, Pakistan amassed 197, thanks mainly to a brilliant knock of 86 by Babar Azam. The likes of Ahmed Shehzad and Shoaib Malik chipped in with decent cameos, to help the team get to a big total.
The bowlers, later on, kept things tight and accurate and ensured that World XI didn’t get close to the target. After Pakistan’s win by 20 runs, skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed was all smiles and thanked the ICC and PCB for organising the series.
“It was an important game. Babar and Shehzad played really well. Shoaib Malik did well towards the end,” said Ahmed.
“There’s a lot of talent in the domestic circuit, and I’m sure many youngsters will get their chances in the future if they keep working on getting better. I want to thank the crowd and PCB for making this a grand success. It has been organised very well, and I’m delighted,” Ahmed further added.
Man of the Match Babar Azam revealed that working hard on his fitness, helped him become a better player.
“It’s all in the mindset. I practice accordingly. No pressure. It was a slow wicket, and we concentrated on building the partnership. I’m working hard on my fitness. Towards the end of my innings, I realised I need to work more on my fitness,” said Azam.