Sarfraz Ahmed needs to perform individually: Younis Khan

Since his appointment as Pakistan captain, Sarfraz Ahmed has enjoyed success across different formats. Having led the his side to an impressive win in the ICC Champions Trophy against India in the final, he has made a name for himself in Pakistan cricketing history. Yet, he has come under fire for his side’s performance in the series down under against New Zealand. Former Pakistan skipper Younis Khan is leading the line of critics stating that he needs to perform a lot better.

However, the wicket-keeper batsman hasn’t been among the runs for his side. The 30-year-old lost his sheen with the bat. His average in ODI cricket has dropped to 34. Former Pakistan captain Younis Khan on Monday has advised current skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed to start producing individual performances if he wants a guaranteed place in the team

Younis has his say

Pakistan’s performance in New Zealand has been miserable. They have  lost the ODI series and are 4-0 down in the series. Younis said that Sarfaraz needs to make decisive improvements to his game since he has an extra responsibility on his shoulders as the team’s captain. He said “He needs to concentrate on his own game and improve quickly. As a captain, you have added responsibility since the level of your individual performance may have an impact on the performance of the rest of the team.”

However, Pakistan’s highest run-scorer in Test cricket Younis Khan also opined that the conditions in New Zealand are harsh and not easy to adjust. He asked the critics to be patient and offer support to the winners of the Champions Trophy. “The conditions there are quite different and are arguably even tougher than what you find in England, South Africa or even Australia. They should be backed right now rather than being bashed by everyone,” said the 40-year-old.

In the 4th ODI, Sarfraz Ahmed did well with the bat thereby shutting all his critics with a decent half-century. Younis Khan would be pleased with this innings of Ahmed. He scored 51 runs in 46 balls at a strike rate of 110.87. Pakistan will want Sarfraz Ahmed to continue doing well with the bat.

Pakistan will face the Kiwis in one more ODI. The last match between these two sides is scheduled to be played on 19 January 2018. After the ODI series, the Pakistan team is set to face the Kiwis in three T20 international matches. The T20I series begins on 22 January 2018. Sarfraz Khan’s form with the bat will be crucial if Pakistan is to make an impact on the tour.