In England, where Pakistan managed to draw test series & won one off T20I. To show a good fight in longer version of the game is expected because of settled unit & leadership of Misbah ul Haq. Sarfaraz Ahmed first assignment as an in charge of Pakistan team in shortest format of the game was the only T20I where he showed good captaincy skills which has given a ray hope for a better future for him as a captain. Sarfaraz did well & managed the taste of victory after a bashing Pakistan get in ODI series where they managed to have a consolation win in 5th One day international of the series after losing first 4 matches by heavy margins. Pakistan is currently sitting at 9th position in 50 over format just above Afghanistan which is there all time worst performance since the start of this format.
Azhar Ali’s captaincy has been heavily criticized during the series as he wasn’t able to show any leadership skills. His reactive approach hurt Pakistan badly & defensive mindset hasn’t help the cause which results in mediocre performance from Pakistan during which they have also conceded all time highest score by a team in one day international history.
After Sarfaraz Ahmed good show in only T20I, many corners have raised voice to make Sarfaraz one day skipper as well; his performance with the bat & gloves also improved during the tour & he showed great skills when going gets tough during the series.
Unlike Azhar Ali, Sarfaraz had come through the ranks with burden of captaincy throughout. Whether it is U19 circuit where he led Pakistan to a world cup victory. He also led regional & departmental teams which had given him the exposure which he needed as a captain. With modern day cricket changing with leaps & bounce Pakistan needs someone who has aggression in his attitude & fiery fighting character & Sarfaraz has shown all of these abilities in his short career for Pakistan so far.
Many cricket pundits also hailed Sarfaraz’s attitude towards the game & this could be high time with so many youngsters get inducted in recent past to handover this young side reins to a young dynamic captain like Sarfaraz Ahmed, Just as Srilanka opted for Angelo Mathews, Australia for Steeve Smith & New Zeland for Kane Williamson.
