2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Misbah-Ul-Haq Praises Fakhar Zaman, Says Pakistan Can Finish On High Note

Nov 2, 2023 at 3:45 PM

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2017 ICC Champions Trophy: Misbah-Ul-Haq Praises Fakhar Zaman, Says Pakistan Can Finish On High Note

Former Pakistan skipper Misbah-Ul-Haq is of the view that the national side can finish on high if Sarfraz Ahmed-led team would repeat their quality performance after pulling a remarkable win against World No. 1 South Africa, in a rain-affected clash of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Group B fixture at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 7.

“They [Pakistan] played against South Africa with a changed mindset,” Misbah was quoted by Dawn after he spoke to one of the TV channels in Pakistan.

The 43-year-old Misbah, who has played an anchor’s role for Pakistan revealed he’s a firm belief in the team of doing well in the remainder of the fixture against Sri Lanka on June 12 while adding the Men in Green are capable of doing well against quality teams.

“If they continue playing in the same fashion in the rest of the tournament, I believe they can have a very good finish,” Misbah maintained.

The middle-order Punjab-born Misbah, who played 162 One-day Internationals feels Pakistan has found the rhythm and he expects the side doing well which is bolstered by bowling line-up spearheaded by left-arm fast bowler Mohammad Amir.

Misbah has also thrown a light on Pakistan’s 124-run  humiliating loss against arch-rivals India while stating the side has crumbled under pressure which further saw top-notch cricket from Virat Kohli-led Men in Blue.

“After suffering defeat against India in the opener, I think they have found a strategy on how to play,” Misbah said.

While terming left-handed batsman Fakhar Zaman’s debut performance impressive, Misbah believes his self-confidence was a moment to watch out for against South Africa.

“The good thing about him [Fakhar Zaman] is that he plays aggressively while being sensible. This is how he also plays at the domestic level,” Misbah said on Zaman.

The Mardan-born batsman scored 31 off 23 balls which included six boundaries as he posted 40 runs in 7.2 overs for the first wicket alongside Azhar Ali.

Misbah, who recently announced his retirement from International cricket after playing three-match Test series against Windies, has effusively praised the efforts of Zaman at the top against quality bowling in the United Kingdom while stating he has the knack of improving game after another.

“It was his debut. At no point did he look nervous. He showed great temperament against South Africa and it was marvellous to see him taking on the world’s top bowlers in English conditions,” Misbah added on Zaman.

Moreover, Misbah stated that a young top-order batsman Babar Azam has been a prolific scorer for Pakistan and has shown promise with the bat adding he has improved a lot and strengthen the batting line-up which was a cause of concern.

“He [Babar Azam] is an asset for Pakistan. He is scoring consistently,” Misbah asserted.

Misbah, who made his debut in 2001 as he has led Pakistan to number one in the ICC Rankings last year.

He has also played 75 Tests and scored 5,222 runs at an average of 46.62.

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