Former India cricketer Aakash Chopra raised his concerns and stated that Fakhar Zaman is probably the only weak link in the Pakistan cricket team at the moment. Fakhar managed to score only 59 runs in three matches against Afghanistan.
Fakhar Zaman endured a struggle to establish his impact in the just-finished three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. Throughout those games, the 33-year-old could only manage to secure 59 runs, a matter of serious concern considering the forthcoming Asia Cup. Aakash Chopra, the former Indian cricketer, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing Fakhar as a potential vulnerability in the current Pakistani team.
Aakash Chopra also stated that Imam-ul-Haq is undergoing a reasonably productive moment and has potential for the team’s future performances. Additionally, he commended Babar Azam, the skipper, for his excellent skills in the 50-over format. While the top order appears to be largely in good shape, there’s an urgency to resolve these concerns soon.
“Fakhar Zaman – more than 3000 runs at an average of 48 in 72 matches. Three of his 10 centuries have come in Asia. His average actually falls in Asia. It becomes 38.9 and that actually tells you that maybe it’s spin. He throws his wicket against spin quite a few times. So Fakhar Zaman could be that slight weak link,” Aakash Chopra said on his YouTube channel.
“Imam-ul-Haq – 61 matches, 2871 runs at an average of 52. His average jumps to 56 in Asia. Three of his nine centuries have come in Asia. Imam-ul-Haq is a good player. Babar Azam comes after them. He is brilliant in this format. More than 5000 runs in 102 matches. His average becomes nearly 64 in Asia and is 58.4 otherwise,” he added.
Pakistan team under the leadership of Babar Azam is set to kick off their Asia Cup journey with a match against Nepal on August 30th, in Multan. Following that, they’ll be packing their bags for a trip to Sri Lanka, where they’re scheduled to face off against India on September 2nd. If both teams make it to the Super Four of the competition, there’s a chance for a rematch between the two teams from the subcontinent, Pakistan and India.
