Akhtar Sarfraz played four ODI’s for Pakistan between 1997 and 1998. He scored 8,468 runs in domestic cricket across all formats. Remembering Akhtar Sarfraz, a prolific domestic performer didn’t succeed at the International level. He played decent innings in one of those four matches. Cricket experts always wonder what happened to him, as he seemed to be a good middle-order batsman with solid technique.
Akhtar Sarfraz was born on 20 February 1976 in Peshawar. The left-handed middle-order, batsman played first-class cricket for 13 years (1994-2007) for NBP and Peshawar Cricket Association. At one stage, he has admired the young talent of Pakistan, but he lost his way after a few failures. He made his ODI debut against West Indies at Sharjah in the Akai Singer Champions Trophy, Dec 12, 1997.
He played a decent knock of 25 runs off 25 balls with the help of one six and one four. Therefore, in Dec 1998, he played his last game against West Indies. After that, he didn’t pick for the international match as Pakistan middle-order positions were duly grabbed by Salim Malik, Inzamam-ul-Haq, Ejaz Ahmad, Younis Khan, and Muhammad Yousaf.
Akhtar Sarfraz played a major role in clinching the Peshawar first-ever Quaid-e-Azam Trophy title in 1998-99. Peshawar batting was star stubbed by Younis Khan, Yasir Hameed, and Wajahatullah Wasti. In the historic win, he scored 98 against Karachi Whites, sharing a 233 runs partnership with Wajahatullah Wasti in the Peshawar match-winning total of 526.
In a 4-day Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match between Peshawar and Rawalpindi B match at Arbab Niaz Stadium in Dec 1995, Akhtar Sarfraz was the member of Peshawar team, when Rawalpindi-B left-arm fast bowler Naeem Akhtar created the history by taking all 10 wickets for 28 runs. This is the best ever bowling figure in the history of Pakistan cricket. Akhtar Sarfraz was one of Naeem’s victims batting on the opening slot.
Stats:
In 4 ODI’s, he scored 66 runs @ 16.50 with the top score of 25 including 4 fours and 1 six.
In 118 first-class matches, he scored 5,720 with the best of 162 including 13 hundred, 33 fifties, 57 catches, and 4 wickets
In his List-A career, he scored 2,636 in 98 matches @ 35.62 with the best of 90 including 22 fifties, 22 catches, and 2 wickets.
In 8 T20 matches, he scored 112 runs @ 22.40 with the best of 48* and 114.28 strike rate.
Post Retirement:
After retiring from domestic cricket, he to opt for cricket coaching and then selectors for Pakistan Women’s cricket team in 2018 and 2019.
Death:
Cricket lovers were shocked to hear the death of a left-handed batsman who passed away on 10 June 2019 at the age of 43 due to colon cancer in Shaukat Khanum Memorial hospital in Lahore. He was respected, admired, and loved by everyone, lose from the cricket fraternity. His tragic death cut short his journey; however, he will remain in cricket memories.
