Fakhar Zaman, latest promising name to emerge in the Pakistan cricket team, has intimated arch – rivals India to stay away from committing blunders or pay a hefty price for it ahead of the June 4th clash between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston.
“Every player of the team is excited for the match against India, it’s a big game and the boys want to win this match,”
he said while promising to give his best if given a chance in Pakistan’s opening encounter in the eight-team tournament.
“I want to give my best in the match; everyone wants to perform against India. I don’t have any particular bowler as my target and I will play every ball according to merit,” he said.
The high-octane clash will open the ICC Champions Trophy campaign for both the Asian giants. Fans are eagerly looking forward to it as the two teams will be playing against each after a long time having last played in Bangladesh during the finals of the Asia Cup in 2016.
India and Pakistan always script epic clashes. The emotions run on both the sides. However, Indian skipper Virat Kohli, speaking at a press conference after arriving in England stated that the Men in Blue will play the game just as any other game and no special importance is being given to the much-awaited fixture.
But, Pakistan cricket team have maintained the traditional approach and are keenly looking forward to the game.
“Everyone is looking forward to the tournament. For me, personally, it’s the first big tournament and I am aiming to give my best,” Fakhar told Geo.tv.
“We have been practising hard since we arrived here, indoors and outdoors, we are well prepared and looking forward to the tournament,” he added.
Fakhar is a find of the ambitious Pakistan Super League. The attacking top order batsman reveals that the experience of playing alongside some highly revered international stars has benefitted him greatly. He especially credited former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum for his recent improvements.
“Brendon McCullum’s advice helped me a lot and I’m trying to apply it in every match I play,” he said.
“I’m now ready for some ‘dama dam mast qalandar’ in the ICC Champions Trophy,” he added.
Pakistan registered a hard fought win against Bangladesh in the first practice game at Edgbaston. The high-scoring game saw 683 runs being scored between the two sides. The Men in Green, after being set a highly challenging target of 342 by Bangladesh, managed to chase it down with 2 wickets in hands.