- Fakhar Zaman responds positively to demotion in T20I batting order, expressing readiness to bat at number 4.
- Revised strategy sees Rizwan and Saim Ayub as the new opening duo, with Babar Azam shifting to number 3.
- Fakhar sees the change as an opportunity to contribute to the team’s success, emphasizing gratitude for a spot in the playing XI.
Pakistan’s explosive batsman, Fakhar Zaman, has responded graciously to the recent demotion in the T20I batting order under the new PCB management led by team director Mohammad Hafeez. A natural opener in ODIs, Fakhar finds himself batting at number 3 in T20Is as Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam form a formidable opening partnership. However, the revised strategy dictates that Babar and Rizwan will no longer open together, creating a shift in the order.
Contrary to earlier decision that Fakhar might open alongside Saim Ayub, official revelations now confirm that Saim and Rizwan will be the new opening pair, with Babar following at number 3 and Fakhar at 4. Despite this shift and demotion, Fakhar Zaman views it positively, stating,
“I don’t view it [batting lower down the order] as a sacrifice. If the team management doesn’t see me fitting into the opening position, it suggests they believe I can contribute to winning matches batting lower in the order.”
“Given the competition for spots in the national team, I consider myself fortunate to secure a place in the playing XI, especially with the impressive performances from players like Babar, Rizwan, and Saim.
“If Babar or Rizwan come at one down, then I can come at two down. I will be happy to play at number six or seven even.”
Fakhar emphasized his willingness to play at number six or seven, expressing gratitude for securing a spot in the playing XI amidst fierce competition. Acknowledging the challenge of displacing Babar and Rizwan from the top order, he suggested utilizing the upcoming 15 to 20 matches before the World Cup to try out new players and provide rest to senior players.
“You can create a backup for Babar and Rizwan but it is difficult to take their place. Since we have 15 to 20 matches before the World Cup, we can try new players and senior players can be given rest in some matches,” he said.
As Pakistan’s T20I squad for the New Zealand series takes shape, with Shaheen Shah Afridi leading as captain, the focus will now shift to how this strategic batting order adjustment contributes to the team’s success in the upcoming matches.
Pakistan squad for New Zealand T20Is
Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan (wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah (wk), Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (vc/wk), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usama Mir and Zaman Khan
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