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Pakistan evaded a series defeat against New Zealand after Sarfaraz Khan registered a record-breaking century at Karachi Stadium on Day 5 of the second Test to ensure a thrilling draw. Bad light had the last say when Pakistan needed 15 runs to win whereas New Zealand needed one wicket to end the game. Sarfaraz was named ‘Player of the match’ and ‘Player of the series’. He scored three half-centuries followed by a century on his comeback to the Test side after more than three years. Sarfaraz's 118-run knock is the highest score by a Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter in the fourth innings.
While the Men in Green saved the Test match, the team's dismal stretch in Tests at home continues and seems like pressure on captain Babar Azam is mounting rapidly. Pakistan played seven Tests at home in 2022 and couldn't register a single win. The new year hasn't started well for Pakistan either as they drew the second Test against New Zealand.
After the conclusion of the second Test, Babar Azam was stunned by a question in the post-match press conference. The Pakistan skipper came up with a savage reply but he looked rattled once the journalist asked the question.
"Some people are saying that your grip over the team is getting weaker and your friendships are getting over in the Pakistan Cricket team," the journalist asked.
Before the journalist could complete his question, Babar intervened and said, "Which friends?"
The journalist then went on to complete his question and asked Babar, "Since Shahid Afridi came, he has changed the vice-captaincy in ODIs, with Shan Masood coming in to fill in the role. Now it's being said that even Test captaincy will be snatched away from you soon?"
The Pakistan captain wasn't amused by the question and his frustration was clearly seen in the reply and expression.
"Sir, you will know to whom is the captaincy going. I don't care about this. My work is to perform in the field and make my team also perform," Babar affirmed.
The two-match Test series between Pakistan and New Zealand ended in a stalemate and the two team will now locks horns in a three-match ODI series.
