PAK vs NZ: Shahid Afridi promises sporting wicket for 2nd Test
Sarfaraz Ahmed during the Karachi Test vs New Zealand
Ahead of a jam-packed home Test season against Australia, England, and New Zealand, Pakistan were in contention for a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship 2021-2023.
However, docile pitches and a timid mindset towards Tests witnessed the Babar Azam-led side lose 4 out of their last 6 Tests, and could defeat in the ongoing match against New Zealand as well.
Newly appointed interim selection committee chairman Shahid Afridi has promised fans that the second Test, which will also take place in Karachi, will deliver a supporting track.
As per Cricket Pakistan, former Pakistan skipper Afridi, speaking to the media on Thursday, spoke about rising above the fear of defeat.
“We have to remove the fear of defeat from our hearts. It’s wasting our bowlers. They are losing their fingers on these pitches.”
The second and final Test will also be played in Karachi from January 2, after being moved from Multan due to unforeseen weather conditions.
The recently sacked Pakistan Cricket Board Chairman Ramiz Raja during his stint talked about bringing in drop-in pitches and dishing out lively tracks in Tests to attract fans and international teams, something which his regime failed to deliver.
At lunch on Day 5, Pakistan are 181 for 4 in their second innings of the first Test and led by 7 runs with Imam-ul-Haq and Sarfaraz Ahmed batting on 81* and 49*, respectively.
 "Vishal Mehra")
