Sarfaraz proved his selection right - Shahid Afridi

Sarfaraz Ahmed helped Pakistan make a comeback after losing early wickets on the first day of the first Test against New Zealand at the National Bank Cricket Arena in Karachi on Monday, according to Shahid Afridi, the interim chief selector for the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB).

Afridi, who excused to take a permanent position on the board, was appointed head of the selection committee, with Abdul Razzaq and Rao Iftikhar Anjum as members. The convener will be Haroon Rashid, a member of the PCB management committee.

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After Pakistan's top-order fell, the hosts were 110-4 after 28.4 overs, but captain Babar Azam and former captain Sarfaraz Ahmed led Pakistan to 317 at the end of the first day.

Sarfaraz was dismissed by Ajaz Patel after scoring 86 runs off 153 balls; meanwhile, Babar remained at the crease until the end of the game.

Meanwhile, Afridi wrote on Twitter to heap praise on Babar and Sarfaraz, stating that Sarfaraz had validated his decision.

"Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets," he wrote.

"Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure," he added.

In addition, Babar finished the first day with 161 runs off 277 balls, while Agha Salman remained unbeaten with three runs off 16 balls.

The hosts' score at stumps on the opening day was 317 for five.

Pleased with Pakistan's performance today, great comeback after the early loss of wickets. Special praise for Babar for another outstanding innings. Sarfaraz proved his selection right, excellent performance for him under pressure.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) December 26, 2022