Sarfraz Ahmed: The rise of the underdog

On his birthday, we take a look into event that gave T20 captain a boost in national ranks

KARACHI: Seems like only yesterday when despite mounting pressure from fans, Pakistan failed to give a chance to Sarfraz Ahmed to shine at the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Even though, Umar Akmal’s performance behind the wickets was abysmal at best, he was still chosen as the first choice wicketkeeper because Pakistan needed the option of an extra batsman to put more runs on the board.

However, after Akmal’s fourth chance, during which Pakistan only managed to secure wins against UAE and Zimbabwe, the selectors had an epiphany to give traditional wicketkeeper, Sarfraz Ahmed, a chance against South Africa.

And as we say ‘the rest is history’.

Against South Africa, Sarfraz came to bat as an opener replacing Nasir Jamshed. Some might say it was unfair to send him as an opener, given he usually bats lower down the order, but little was known that the future Pakistan T20 captain has taken this as a challenge to prove himself.

Sarfraz Ahmed claims man of the match award against South Africa. PHOTO COURTESY: ICC



Facing the mighty Dale Steyn, whom even traditional openers fear playing against, Sarfraz scored run-a-ball 49 before being run out by David Miller. In a surprising turn of events, which witnessed Pakistan beating South Africa, Sarfraz was the man of the match for his batting performance as well as for taking six catches behind the wicket.

If that had not cemented his place in the national side, Sarfraz’s next performance surely did when he scored a century against Ireland, again as an opener, and stayed at the crease until Pakistan achieved the target in 46.1 overs.

Sarfraz Ahmed after his maiden one-day hundred against Ireland. PHOTO: AFP

Memes already started emerging on social media hailing the wicketkeeper’s performance with captions like ‘Sarfraz dhoka nahi dega’ (Sarfraz would not betray), making an obvious reference to the Indian movie PK.

Even though the national team would lose out to hosts Australia in the quarter-finals, Sarfraz emerged as a hero that the nation longed for in contemporary times.

A little over a year later, after Pakistan crashed out of both Asia Cup and World T20 tournaments, there was search for a new leader in 20-over format and all fingers automatically pointed towards Sarfraz.



The 29-year-old’s performance in national colours during the past year and his leadership of Quetta Gladiators in Pakistan Super League (PSL), which took them to the finals, made him a leading contender for the job in the eyes of fans and management alike.

Now, he is our captain in the 20-over game, and although he hasn’t led the national side yet, there are high hopes from him in the coming years.

We wish him best of luck and many happy returns of the day.