Mickey Arthur Said Fakhar Zaman Will Be A Legend, Reveals Imad Wasim
Jun 27, 2017 at 7:52 PM
The story:
Pakistan allrounder Imad Wasim has revealed head coach Mickey Arthur has tipped Champions Trophy final hero Fakhar Zaman to become a legend.
Recalling an incident when Zaman was batting against England in the semifinal of the tournament, Imad told Pakpassion:
“In the match against England at Wales where the boundaries are shorter and Fakhar Zaman was facing bowling which was very quick and bouncers were being bowled too; he kept on hitting the ball and Azhar Ali asked him what are you doing, he says that Azhar Bhai, I am trying to get a top-edge six.”
“Mickey Arthur was sitting outside and he says that this guy will be a legend,” he added.
Heart of the matter:
Pakistan had opened their campaign on a dismal note, losing by a whopping margin of 180 runs against arch-rivals India. However, Zaman’s introduction in the playing XI from the second game onward changed the fortunes of the team as the left-handed batsman played a key role in Pakistan’s historic Champions Trophy triumph.
Fakhar began his campaign with a quickfire 31 in the victory against South Africa and followed it with decisive half-centuries against Sri Lanka and England. The left-handed batsman capped off the memorable tournament with a magnificent 114 in the title-decider to propel his team to 338. In reply, India were all out for just 158 as Pakistan won the Champions Trophy for the first time.
Pakistan had entered the tournament as the lowest-ranked team but turned their campaign remarkably well to create history. The Champions Trophy title is Pakistan first major global title in 50-overs format since the 1992 World Cup in Australia. The win was also special for the people of Pakistan who have not witnessed top-class international cricket in their country since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team in 2009.
Speaking about the win, Imad said:
“Our nation needed that victory and we wanted to deliver this happiness to them. We feel lucky and still cannot believe that we are part of this team that has given so much happiness to the nation. The reception we got at home after winning the Champions Trophy is out of this world.”