Pakistan’s premier batter Babar Azam is back in the T20I squad after nearly 10 months. The former captain has been named for the upcoming
Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan’s Explosive Opener and Big-Game Performer
Fakhar Zaman is one of Pakistan’s most aggressive and impactful opening batters in modern cricket. Known for his fearless strokeplay, powerful hitting, and match-winning performances, Fakhar Zaman has become a regular name in white-ball cricket for Pakistan.
He gained international fame after a stunning century in the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy and has since established himself as one of the most dangerous top-order batters in world cricket.
Quick Facts About Fakhar Zaman
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Fakhar Zaman |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1990 |
| Birthplace | Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan |
| Batting Style | Left-handed |
| Role | Opening Batter |
| National Side | Pakistan |
| Domestic Teams | Lahore Qalandars (PSL), KPK, Balochistan |
Fakhar Zaman’s International Career
Fakhar made his ODI debut in 2017 and instantly impressed with his fearless approach. His defining moment came in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final, where he scored a match-winning 114 against India, helping Pakistan lift the trophy.
He was the first Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs, achieving the feat against Zimbabwe in 2018. Fakhar has been a vital part of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I setups, especially in ICC events and high-pressure chases.
Fakhar Zaman – Career Statistics
| Format | Matches | Runs | Average | 100s | 50s | Best Score |
| ODI | 80 | 3,500 | 45 | 10 | 15 | 210* |
| T20I | 80 | 1,700 | 22 | 0 | 13 | 91 |
| Test | 3 | 192 | 32.00 | 0 | 2 | 94 |
Stats as of 2024 and subject to updates.
Major Records and Achievements
- First Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs (210 vs Zimbabwe, 2018)*
- Fastest Pakistani to reach 1,000 ODI runs
- Player of the Match in the 2017 Champions Trophy Final
- Scored two consecutive centuries in ODIs during Pakistan’s 2023 World Cup campaign
- Among Pakistan’s top five ODI run-scorers since 2017
Playing Style and Strengths
Fakhar Zaman is known for his aggressive batting style. He often sets the tone early with fearless hitting, particularly in the Powerplay. He plays well on both front and back foot and is especially dangerous against spin bowling.
While he occasionally struggles with consistency, when in form, Fakhar can single-handedly change the course of a game.
Fakhar Zaman in T20 Leagues
Fakhar Zaman has been a star performer for Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). He was one of the top scorers in PSL 2022, leading his team to their maiden title.
He has also been part of other T20 leagues like:
- Bangladesh Premier League (BPL) – Comilla Victorians
- Global T20 Canada – Vancouver Knights
- Lanka Premier League (LPL) – Colombo Strikers
His clean striking and fast scoring make him an ideal pick for T20 franchises.
Recent Form and Impact
Fakhar played a crucial role in Pakistan’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign, scoring back-to-back centuries against New Zealand and South Africa. Despite Pakistan’s inconsistent team performance, Fakhar’s batting form stood out.
In PSL 2024, he once again delivered impactful performances and remains one of the most bankable batters in the league.
Military Background and Early Life
Before becoming a cricketer, Fakhar Zaman served in the Pakistan Navy. His discipline, fitness, and determination stem from that background. He was encouraged by senior officers to pursue cricket professionally, and his transition has been inspirational.
He represents the aspirations of millions of young Pakistanis looking to make it big in cricket.