Pakistan sealed their highest successful T20I run-chase in their six-wicket win over Australia in the tri-series final at Harare on Sunday. Fakhar Zaman was the star of the show for the men in green with his 46-ball 91 ensuring Pakistan’s won despite his side losing two wickets in the first over of the chase.
The left-handed opening batsman has been in rich vein of form in the entire tri-series with his knock on Sunday coming after innings of 61, 47 and 73. However, while Fakhar has been in outstanding touch, the other opening slot remains a big worry for the Pakistan team management.
Fakhar went through three different opening partners in the tri-series itself. The scores by his partners in the series read 7, 0, 16, 0 and 0.
While Pakistan strengthened their hold on the No1 T20I ranking after their ninth consecutive series win and 24th victory in 28 matches, finding an able partner for Fakhar is turning out to be quite the headache.
Here, we analyse the options at Sarfraz Ahmed’s disposal.
MOHAMMAD HAFEEZ
The veteran all-rounder returned to Pakistan’s limited-overs setup after his bowling action was cleared by the ICC. Although he did pick up two wickets against Zimbabwe in his first match on return, Hafeez disappointed with the bat after being dismissed for just seven runs.
His second outing did not bring about any change in fortunes with the right-hander being dismissed for a duck by Australia’s Billy Stanlake. That was it for the 37-year-old who did not feature again in the rest of the tournament.
At his age, Hafeez is hardly going to be a long-term solution for Pakistan despite his record and they would be better served by looking elsewhere.
Hafeez is no long-term option for Pakistan.
HARIS SOHAIL
Following Hafeez’s consecutive failures, it was Haris Sohail’s turn to partner Fakhar at the top. The 29-year-old has never been a regular feature in Pakistan’s T20 outfit and scores of 16 and 0 in the tri-series do not inspire much confidence going forward.
He was given two chances in Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand earlier this year and failed to stamp his authority.
The left-hander does not seem a natural fit in the format and it is doubtful that Pakistan will turn to him to open the innings after his Zimbabwe excursion.
Sohail has hardly set T20 cricket alight.
SAHIBZADA FARHAN
The youngster was handed his international debut in the T20 series final, which means he is supremely talented or that the management was desperate after the flop shows by Hafeez and Sohail.
The 22-year-old Farhan got a harsh introduction to international cricket after he was stumped for a golden duck off the bowling of Glenn Maxwell.
The youngster had impressed in Islamabad United’s title triumph in the last edition of the Pakistan Super League where he scored a match-winning 44 in the final.
Despite his failure on debut, Farhan could be molded into a long-term option for Pakistan if he is backed the same way as Hussain Talat and Asif Ali have been so far after their performances in the PSL.
Farhan needs time to be groomed into the role.
AZHAR ALI
Long been branded as a ‘Test specialist’, Azhar Ali has not played a single T20I for Pakistan in his career so far. His strike-rate in ODI cricket is below 75 but that does not mean Azhar is not an option.
The 33-year-old complemented Fakhar’s attacking approach in Pakistan’s Champions Trophy triumph in England. His workman like approach to batting worked wonders with Fakhar taking on the bowlers at the other end.
With Fakhar being in outstanding knick, it would not be the most outlandish of moves to partner him with Azhar in the format.
Azhar has shown that he can get the job done.
