Sarfraz tells Pakistan to back themselves to take game to Proteas

Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has urged his fellow teammates to play “without fear” during their tour of South Africa — a country where they have won only two Tests during their past five tours.

The Pakistani side are set to play three Tests, five oneday internationals and three Twenty20 internationals against the Proteas, with the first Test starting in Centurion on Dec. 26.

Pakistan head into the series after losing 2-1 to New Zealand in the UAEs last week. In the wake of the tough loss, Sarfraz said he still had high hopes of getting a good result against the Proteas.

“Conditions in South Africa are tough with bouncy and seaming pitches so anyone who plays without fear and with a big heart will succeed,” Sarfraz said.

Pakistan’s last win in South Africa came in 2007.

On their last tour in 2013, Pakistan were routed 3-0 and bowled out for their lowest

Test score of 49 in the first Test in Johannesburg, with both senior batsmen Younis Khan and Misbah-ul-Haq in the line-up.

Now without the two stalwarts, Pakistan will look to Azhar Ali and Asad Shafiq to help to guide the squad.

“We need big innings from both Azhar and Shafiq and they are capable of doing that, so if we put good totals on board we have a good bowling attack to win the match,” said Sarfraz, who singled out recalled paceman Mohammad Amir as key to any success.

“Amir is back after a good performance at the domestic level so we hope he gets us key wickets in Tests,” said Sarfraz.