Sri Lanka vs Pakistan 2014, 2nd Test at SSC: Sarfraz Ahmed scores maiden Test century as visitors look to gain lead against Sri Lanka

Sarfraz Ahmed reached the magical three-figure mark with a six.

By Amit Banerjee

Aug 16, 2014

Pakistan wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed reached his maiden Test century with a six in the first session of the third day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Sinhalese Sports Club in Colombo. Sarfraz’s was finally dismissed off the bowling of Rangana Herath, who reached his picked his eight wicket of the innings with his dismissal.

Ahmed brought up the landmark figures by hitting a four and a six off consecutive deliveries by Chanaka Welegedera in the 87th over. The Karachi-born glovesman smashed seven boundaries and a six to reach the mark, consuming 109 at a strike rate of over 90. Sarfraz also became the first Pakistani keeper to score an away century against Sri Lanka.

Sarfraz came into bat when Pakistan were reeling at 140 for the loss of five wickets and were looking to get bundled out for less than 200. Sarfraz and Asad Shafiq then responded brilliantly to the occasion by adding a valuable 93-run partnership. After Shafiq’s dismissal, Safraz almost single-handedly carried the burden and brought Pakistan within striking distance of of Sri Lanka’s total of 320 in the first innings.

Sarfraz was eventually dismissed by the leading wicket-taker of the innings, Rangana Herath. Sarfraz was served a full-pitched delivery, which he tried to drive towards the covers but only ended up giving an outside edge to Lankan keeper Niroshan Dickwella. Sarfraz was given a rousing ovation on his way back to the pavilion and he will be a happy man for the time being for fulfilling his responsibilities and his team’s expectations of him.

(Amit Banerjee, a reporter at CricketCountry, takes keen interest in photography, traveling, technology, automobiles, food and, of course, cricket. He can be followed on Twitter via his handle @akb287)

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