Fakhar Zaman’s phenomenal showing in Pakistan’s recently concluded ODI series against Zimbabwe could see the opening batsman being given a run in the Test outfit.
The left-hander amassed 515 runs in five innings against Zimbabwe at an astonishing average of 257.50 as Pakistan completed a 5-0 series whitewash. The 28-year-old became the first batsman from Pakistan to register an ODI double ton with his unbeaten effort of 210 in the fourth match of the series.
Along the way, the swashbuckling batsman also broke Sir Viv Richard’s record to become the fastest to 1,000 runs in ODI cricket. This sensational run of form could see the batsman being tried out as an opener for Pakistan’s upcoming Test series at home against Australia and New Zealand if skipper Sarfraz Ahmed’s words are anything to go by.
“If you look at our (Test) team, the opening slot is a concern,” the Pakistan skipper said in an interview with PakPassion.net
“We can definitely try Fakhar in Tests in UAE. The way he’s been playing, he is an opener who can attack the opposition.
“I am hopeful that he plays Test cricket in the near future.”
Fakhar Zaman scored 515 runs in five innings against Zimbabwe.
Fakhar made his limited-overs debut for Pakistan last year but is yet to be given a run-in in the Test format. He was included in the Test squad for Pakistan’s tour of England earlier this year but failed to get a game with Azhar Ali and Imam-ul-Haq being preferred in the roles.
In the ODI series against Zimbabwe, the opening pair of Fakhar and Imam added more than 600 runs in total for the first wicket which is a new world record for a bilateral series. While Fakhar’s exploits were sensational, so were that of his young opening partner who registered three centuries in the five matches.
Sarfraz has stated that grooming the two batsmen in the role has been part of the plan for the Pakistan side.
“We gave Fakhar and Imam maximum chances while opening as this is an area we want to make strong,” the wicketkeeper-batsman said.
“When we play against top teams and play events, we want to keep improving with the opening pair,” he added.
A two-Test series between Pakistan and Australia in the UAE has been mooted apart from the already scheduled limited-overs clashes starting in October this year. Following Australia’s tour of the UAE, Pakistan will welcome New Zealand next for a three-match Test series at their alternative home.
