After earning the high praise from former cricketers on his One-day International debut, Pakistan left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman has vowed to play at his strength – to perform against Sri Lanka, in the virtual eliminator in the Group B game of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.
The hard-hitting sensation Zaman revealed he is aiming to spend quality time at the crease – to score big in the all-important game on June 12.
“I will try to spend maximum time on the wicket to give the team a decent start so that our experienced middle order can take it further to a big total on the scoreboard,” Zaman told Geo Tv.
The 27-year-old Zaman, who came at the expense of opening batsman Ahmed Shehzad, scored 31 off 23 balls against World No. 1 in ICC ODI rankings South Africa while chasing down the target of 220 in the rain-affected game.
While responding to the reporter, Zaman he was playing his national game against the quality bowling line-up while revealing he would he wanted to continue playing his innings, but he believes cricket is the game of one decisive ball, adding he would be improving on his side – to play longer innings for his side.
“I was trying to play a big inning [against South Africa], but unfortunately I couldn’t, I should have converted my 30 into a big score, but I regret that I couldn’t do so,” Zaman maintained.
Playing a cameo at the top, Zaman helped Men in Green to register 40 for the first wicket in 7.2 overs as Sarfraz Ahmed-led side went on to clinch a 19-run win, on the basis of Duckworth-Lewis Method which has been a dismal sight for the cricket and its followers.
Having the high backlift, Zaman expressed the satisfaction for his role, in the domestic cricket as he is aiming to play deliveries according to merit and situation of the game.
“I will play every ball on merit and will take maximum advantage if I receive any loose delivery,” Fakhar asserted.
When Geo Tv reporter asked him whether he has the special plan to go against any particular bowler of the Sri Lanka, Zaman’s respond was apt as he stated he stays at the crease to play the ball.
Moreover, Zaman, who is confident to give a quality start in the crunch game against Angelo Mathews-led Sri Lanka, has wished to register his maiden triple-figure mark to help his side to qualify for the semi-finals.
“I play the ball, not the bowler. I will try to score in three figures,” Zaman concluded.
The Mardan-born Zaman has been a prolific with the bat in the domestic circuit, as he has amassed 2,302 runs at the average of 50.4 in 49 List A matches.
Averaging 42 in 35 first-class games, Zaman has featured in three Twenty20 Internationals and solitary ODI for Pakistan, he made his International appearance in March, this year against the Windies.