Shoaib Malik bats for Sarfaraz Ahmed’s inclusion in the ODI team

Sarfaraz Ahmed with Babar Azam [Source: Twitter]

The ongoing first Test between Pakistan and New Zealand in Karachi marked the return of Sarfaraz Ahmed to the national side after a long hiatus. 

In his first Test since 2019, Sarfaraz hammered a crucial fifty and bailed Pakistan out of trouble. He stitched an excellent 196-run partnership with skipper Babar Azam, who completed his ninth century in Test cricket. 

Meanwhile, former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik praised interim chief selector Shahid Afridi for picking Sarfaraz in the Karachi Test. 

Going one step ahead, Malik reckoned that the 35-year-old should be recalled to the ODI team, keeping in mind the next year's World Cup in India. 

Here's what Malik tweeted

"Smart decision by Lala (Shahid Afridi) to use Sarfaraz Ahmed in test playing 11 today. I would suggest to use him in ODI's too as he is very handy in the middle overs, as the next white ball world cup is around the corner."

Sarfaraz was all set for his fourth Test ton but his stay at the crease was cut short by Ajaz Patel, who dismissed him in the final session. Before getting out, he smashed 86 runs off 153 balls, powering Pakistan to a respectable total in the first innings. 

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