Happy with Sarfaraz but Rizwan our T20I and ODI keeper: Shahid Afridi

“I am very happy that Saifi has made a comeback and given such a great performance, but Mohammad Rizwan is available and he will be our main wicket-keeper in both T20Is and ODIs,” Shahid Afridi said in a press conference.

“God forbid if Rizwan gets injured or if he gets tired then consider other options. Don’t confuse anyone with Test performance in limited overs.”

Sarfaraz Ahmed, who has made a brilliant return to international cricket after a four-year hiatus and finished as Pakistan’s leading run-getter in the two-match Test series against New Zealand, has not been selected for the T20Is and ODIs. The 35-year-old amassed 335 runs in four innings, including one century and three fifties.

Brilliant knock from Saifi bhai again. This is what hard work and faith in Allah will get you. Mujhe Saifi bhai k Man of the Series hone se aisi hi khushi jase ye mujhe Mila ho. Balnk yaqeenan us se bhi zada. Khush rahei @SarfarazA_54 bhai.

– Muhammad Rizwan (@iMRizwanPak) January 6, 2023

After Sarfaraz’s incredible comeback, Rizwan posted a heartfelt message on his Twitter handle. He wrote: Great knock from Saifi bhai again. This is what hard work and faith in Allah will get you. Mujhe Saifi bhai k Man of the Series hone se aisi hi khushi jase ye mujhe Mila ho. Balnk yaqeenan us se bhi zada. Khush money @SarfarazA_54 bhai.

Rizwan has been dropped from the New Zealand Test series after a string of low results, but the batsman has been a mainstay for the Pakistanis in the white ball and he wears the gloves.