Fakhar Zaman - the ODI specialist

[stevewittry]

If we've to put together a list of players who're ODI only specialist, there will ONLY BE a SINGLE name in that list and that is one of my favorite cricketers from Pak - Fakhar Zaman. This is a unique record for someone as stellar or dynamic as Fakhar is as an opening batter. I'm unable to think of any other cricketer - past or present who can ONLY BE a ODI specialist but being a failure in the other formats.

I've been following his cricket since 2017 Champions trophy. The one thing I've found in his batting is his big match / back to the wall performances against strong oppositions and all of these signature innings have come in ODI. Be it the match winning 100 against arch rival in the Champions Trophy final or the back to wall 190 odd against South Africa in South Africa (almost snatching a victory) or the super human knock against New Zealand in the do or die encounter after chasing 400 odd. These are exceptional knocks coming from a champion ODI batter. However, he hasn't been able to replicate anything close either in the T20 or test matches. For a batter of this caliber and his ability to hit the big sixes at will, I was almost sure that T20 will be a walk in the park. With a batting average close to 50 in ODIs (11 100s all impactful knocks) and strike rate of 94 with a high percentage of boundary hitting, these are stellar records for a Pak batter with a brittle / uncertain middle order. But as it turned out he hasn't been able to translate his ODI success to the shorter formats or not able to impose himself in the test arena either.

I wanted your responses on what is it that Fakhar could have done differently to have been successful across formats, given his potential? In my opinion, he should have been an opening batsman consistently in both the shorter formats and a number-4 test batter. This would have given him enough opportunity to express himself better given the field restrictions in the shorter formats where he can maximize his returns. The management should have given him chances in this position in order to do better justice to his talent. He was surprisingly ignored during the recent World cup 2023.

He has demonstrated a positive attitude while at the crease and would have been a good captaincy material for the shorter formats.

Wanted your opinion on Fakhar as a batter and how he can take his game to the next level.

 

[Mamoon]

Dhawan was another player like Fakhar who can be categorized as an ODI specialist.

He has been a wonderful ODI player but didn’t amount to much in the other formats. In fact, he is still one of the best around in ODIs but India doesn’t pick him anymore because he is too old and they have other options who can perform in all formats.

Fakhar’s lack of success in T20s is definitely very disappointing and also very surprising at the same time.

 

[hitthestump]

Fakhar is playing in the wrong position.

He is seen as a hitter when actually he takes his time early in his innings.

He isn’t great at strike rotation so with the field in good bowlers can choke him appropriately, leading to pressure and Fakhar consequently throwing his wicket away.

At number 4 with a solid platform built for him Fakhar can take his customary slow start with the field spread allowing him to take singles.

After that there is no boundary in the world big enough for him once he gets set.

There is plenty of PSL left for Fakhar to drop down the order. Shaheen should at least try it out.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fakhar is playing in the wrong position.

He is seen as a hitter when actually he takes his time early in his innings.

He isn’t great at strike rotation so with the field in good bowlers can choke him appropriately, leading to pressure and Fakhar consequently throwing his wicket away.

At number 4 with a solid platform built for him Fakhar can take his customary slow start with the field spread allowing him to take singles.

After that there is no boundary in the world big enough for him once he gets set.

There is plenty of PSL left for Fakhar to drop down the order. Shaheen should at least try it out.

I think Fakhar is fine as an opener in ODIs. His stats are good for him to stay there but in T20s, I am not sure. He was tried at 3 and 4 slots recently and TBH he looked ok at those numbers.

 

[160KPH]

Fakhar is playing in the wrong position.

He is seen as a hitter when actually he takes his time early in his innings.

He isn’t great at strike rotation so with the field in good bowlers can choke him appropriately, leading to pressure and Fakhar consequently throwing his wicket away.

At number 4 with a solid platform built for him Fakhar can take his customary slow start with the field spread allowing him to take singles.

After that there is no boundary in the world big enough for him once he gets set.

There is plenty of PSL left for Fakhar to drop down the order. Shaheen should at least try it out.

This is exactly right. Look at most of Fakhar's best innings, he starts of fairly slow and makes up for it later. The one innings I remember where he came out ultra aggressive right from the start was the recent World Cup match against New Zealand. There were also a couple other innings like that in the recent World Cup.

His strike rate at #4 in T20s is much higher than when he is opening.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Yes Fakhar Zaman is an ODI specialist batter. because of his consistent and impressive performance. When you look at his batting, especially in ODIs, you can see he has a solid technique and knows how to adapt to different situations during the match for example his innings in ICC ODI World Cup 2023 against New Zealand.

 

[GreenKhan]

Fakhar is an odi great . In t20s he never opened for Pak again after 2020. He has been phenomenal in the PSL, and one of the reasons why LQ won back to back titles.

This year he simply not delivered in the PSL, but it does not take away the fact that he has the best record as an opener in PSL that to at SR of 140 plus.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Fakhar is simply being considered as a number 4 player because people want to keep their stooge number 1 player Rizwan as opener.

 

[Rana]

Fakhar is simply being considered as a number 4 player because people want to keep their stooge number 1 player Rizwan as opener.

Truth.

 

[Rana]

Don’t care about his form. Don’t care about his numbers.

The approach is simple, and it’s always the way to go.

Fakhar and Sharjeel should be Pakistan’s white ball openers. No this and that, pick your players for what they can do on their best day.

Don’t care about any young, up coming, shiny, flashy, bouncy, smiley opener….or someone who can safely get you through the powerplay unscathed…or someone who can only hit leg side

None of that nonsense.

 

[hitthestump]

Fakhar is simply being considered as a number 4 player because people want to keep their stooge number 1 player Rizwan as opener.

Rizwan’s position as opener is not under any kind of threat so that would be strange.

I know this is an impossible concept to grasp for a few people but….not everything has to be about Rizzy.

It’s the other opening spot which is wide open.

Babar is now at 3, Saim didn’t quite stake his claim.

You could play Fakhar there again but as I said, he looks like a better option at 4. I would persist with Saim as opener.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Rizwan’s position as opener is not under any kind of threat so that would be strange.

I know this is an impossible concept to grasp for a few people but….not everything has to be about Rizzy.

It’s the other opening spot which is wide open.

Babar is now at 3, Saim didn’t quite stake his claim.

You could play Fakhar there again but as I said, he looks like a better option at 4. I would persist with Saim as opener.

Nonsense.

Why is Rizwan's position set in stone?

The team should come first.

Not Rizwan's personal sense of comfort and achievement.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Fakhar can bat at any position but when he is in form, he is best for the opening slot.

 

[PakEngFan]

Fakhar is simply being considered as a number 4 player because people want to keep their stooge number 1 player Rizwan as opener.

Yes let's ignore fakhar pathetic record as a t20 opener.

 

[shamaan]

Fakhar time is nearly done this will be his last world cup.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Yes let's ignore fakhar pathetic record as a t20 opener.

The only player in the team proven to win you games.

What does Rizwan win you besides showboating and acting awards?

 

[160KPH]

The only player in the team proven to win you games.

What does Rizwan win you besides showboating and acting awards?

Could you list the T20 games Fakhar has won us?

 

[Markhor]

People here seem to think batting positions are the be all and end all. While in T20 it's vital to give your batsmen the correct entry points - Fakhar has lots of moving parts to his technique which means he's vulnerable to bad dips in form regardless of where he bats. If anything is out of sync from his footwork, bat path, grip etc he goes to pieces.

Generally the simpler your technique, the easier it is to replicate success consistently. Yes you have your Shivs and Smiths but these are exceptions to the norm.

It's a credit to his mental strength that he often manages to come out of these slumps, at least in ODIs, usually saving his best for big tournaments. He looked like he couldn't hold a bat before his epic in Bangalore vs NZ at the World Cup. Players like that frustrate but must be persisted with knowing their potential impact.

I would like to see him given one more chance at the T20 World Cup before reassessing his future.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Could you list the T20 games Fakhar has won us?

Its irrelevant.

He has potential based on his exploits vs full strength sides in ODIs.

Has Rizwan managed to win tournaments batting as opener for last 2 years vs full strength teams in ODIs or T20s?

Then why does he persist?

 

[shamaan]

Its irrelevant.

He has potential based on his exploits vs full strength sides in ODIs.

Has Rizwan managed to win tournaments batting as opener for last 2 years vs full strength teams in ODIs or T20s?

Then why does he persist?

Because hes the best keeper in pakistan.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Because hes the best keeper in pakistan.

Being the best keeper in Pakistan doesn't give you the right to open every match.

Especially if you are selfish in opening.

Its a waste of a PP every single time with Rizwan opening.

 

[ads101]

Being the best keeper in Pakistan doesn't give you the right to open every match.

Especially if you are selfish in opening.

Its a waste of a PP every single time with Rizwan opening.

Fakhar wastes the PP even more. That’s the problem. He doesn’t use it to stay in, he’s still prone to get out there unlike Babar and Rizwan. Nor does he do much big hitting early on as he struggles too much. The time he is most effective is when he can accelerate scoring after he’s managed to somehow stay in, which is middle innings. Which is why some people propagate that he should play as a middle order batsman.

The guy that actually could hit big early on was Sharjeel who ruined his career with fixing and fitness. Saim and Haris are just starting their careers, and tbh are being rushed in hence the early failures. The biggest issue is lack of alternatives. At least Babar and Rizwan get off to consistent starts which reduces the pressure of wickets, which should allow the middle order and late order to score with reduced wicket pressure.

 

[160KPH]

Its irrelevant.

He has potential based on his exploits vs full strength sides in ODIs.

Has Rizwan managed to win tournaments batting as opener for last 2 years vs full strength teams in ODIs or T20s?

Then why does he persist?

Why would I look at his ODI performances to judge his T20 performances? He’s played 74 T20 innings, which is a big sample size, and 36 were as an opener. He was not very good and battled at a similar strike rate to Rizwan while averaging way less.

Now finally we found a spot, #4, where he’s batting at an amazing strike and you want us to move him back to opening because he is good in ODIs. Even in ODIs, in most of his best innings he starts off extremely slow and then rapidly accelerates as the innings goes on. There are only a few exceptions like the recent innings in the WC against New Zealand where he actually started off fast to begin with - but that was chasing 400+.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Why would I look at his ODI performances to judge his T20 performances? He’s played 74 T20 innings, which is a big sample size, and 36 were as an opener. He was not very good and battled at a similar strike rate to Rizwan while averaging way less.

Now finally we found a spot, #4, where he’s batting at an amazing strike and you want us to move him back to opening because he is good in ODIs. Even in ODIs, in most of his best innings he starts off extremely slow and then rapidly accelerates as the innings goes on. There are only a few exceptions like the recent innings in the WC against New Zealand where he actually started off fast to begin with - but that was chasing 400+.

Well good luck with Rizwan as opener.

The T20 World is by default lost already since he is going to open.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Fakhar wastes the PP even more. That’s the problem. He doesn’t use it to stay in, he’s still prone to get out there unlike Babar and Rizwan. Nor does he do much big hitting early on as he struggles too much. The time he is most effective is when he can accelerate scoring after he’s managed to somehow stay in, which is middle innings. Which is why some people propagate that he should play as a middle order batsman.

The guy that actually could hit big early on was Sharjeel who ruined his career with fixing and fitness. Saim and Haris are just starting their careers, and tbh are being rushed in hence the early failures. The biggest issue is lack of alternatives. At least Babar and Rizwan get off to consistent starts which reduces the pressure of wickets, which should allow the middle order and late order to score with reduced wicket pressure.

Its a myth that Babar and Rizwan are good performers.

They perform against C and D sides.

They are "classic" example of "stat padders".

 

[BouncerGuy]

The whole thread has been derailed by making it Rizwan vs Fakhar comparison thread that too for t20 while the Thread is all about Fakhar as an ODI specialist. Please check what you are writing now so we can have healthy and on-topic discussions.

Fakhar's ODI spot is secured as an opener and he is going to play there as long as he is in the ODI team.

 

[Nasty Naz]

People here seem to think batting positions are the be all and end all. While in T20 it's vital to give your batsmen the correct entry points - Fakhar has lots of moving parts to his technique which means he's vulnerable to bad dips in form regardless of where he bats. If anything is out of sync from his footwork, bat path, grip etc he goes to pieces.

Generally the simpler your technique, the easier it is to replicate success consistently. Yes you have your Shivs and Smiths but these are exceptions to the norm.

It's a credit to his mental strength that he often manages to come out of these slumps, at least in ODIs, usually saving his best for big tournaments. He looked like he couldn't hold a bat before his epic in Bangalore vs NZ at the World Cup. Players like that frustrate but must be persisted with knowing their potential impact.

I would like to see him given one more chance at the T20 World Cup before reassessing his future.

If I remember correctly, he said in an interview that he thought his technical peak was around 2015 or 2016, which is kinda funny since he ended up debuting in 2017 and took the world by storm.

The best opener by far Pakistan has produced since Anwar and he's played a few truly epic & memorable innings. Century vs India in CT final, 193 vs SA, 180* in chase vs NZ, WC amazing century in Bangalore. Some truly special knocks and honestly he deserves a lot of credit. After 2019 WC, he was completely out of form and even lost his ODI spot for a bit and as you said, with his type of technique with the combination of his style of play, he is more prone to variance versus most batters as a result.

I think he should and will be given a go in the T20 WC. I like him at that #4 spot as Pakistan never have lefties in the middle order to counter attack spinners so having in that spot is nice. His biggest weakness is against the new ball if the bowler sticks to a tight length and doesn't give him room to play his shots. Too often he ends up in a situation where he's eaten a lot of dots and to make up for it, he has to play big shots and ends up getting out being overly aggressive.

I will say, the idea of Fakhar in T20's is much nicer than the reality, at least in T20's. His SR & average in T20's is mediocre and it's hard to recall any amazing knocks from him internationally outside of like his 91 runs vs Australia to help Pakistan win the tri-series final. But I do think he's got that special knock in him and hopefully he can deliver it in the World Cup.

 

[CerebralPatriot]

Fakhar is a better than Babar and Rizwan however currently we have better options than him in the form of Saim, Sharjeel, and Saud

 

[BouncerGuy]

Saim, Sharjeel, and Saud

I guess you are talking about T20s here but are you sure about it, Sharjeel???

 

[CerebralPatriot]

I guess you are talking about T20s here but are you sure about it, Sharjeel???

Sharjeel Khan has 5 T20 centuries and a strike rate of 137. He is easily the best player of fast bowling within the ranks of Pakistan although I would say if we are looking to invest in the long term than Saim and Saud may do the trick

 

[PakEngFan]

The only player in the team proven to win you games.

What does Rizwan win you besides showboating and acting awards?

You don't have an answer to my question?

 

[shamaan]

Fakhar is a better than Babar and Rizwan however currently we have better options than him in the form of Saim, Sharjeel, and Saud

Fakhar is better than Babar in which format ?

 

[shamaan]

Sharjeel Khan has 5 T20 centuries and a strike rate of 137. He is easily the best player of fast bowling within the ranks of Pakistan although I would say if we are looking to invest in the long term than Saim and Saud may do the trick

We seen how great Sharjeel was in psl last season.

 

[shamaan]

If you want to invest then go with Saim and not Fakhar/Sharjeel.

 

[Rana]

If you want to invest then go with Saim and not Fakhar/Sharjeel.

We don’t necessarily need to invest at the moment with a World Cup around the corner. We need the two best white ball openers in Pakistan to go out there and play.

I like Saim, but he isn’t ready yet.

 

[shamaan]

We don’t necessarily need to invest at the moment with a World Cup around the corner. We need the two best white ball openers in Pakistan to go out there and play.

I like Saim, but he isn’t ready yet.

Sharjeel what tournament is he playing or you want someone who hasn't played cricket for a while to open.

 

[Rana]

Sharjeel what tournament is he playing or you want someone who hasn't played cricket for a while to open.

Don’t really care bro. Just instinct. He is the right guy with Fakhar for Pakistan

 

[shamaan]

Don’t really care bro. Just instinct. He is the right guy with Fakhar for Pakistan

No thankyou bro.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

You don't have an answer to my question?

They are 2 reasons a player plays at a position despite not having to show a lot for it.

Potential based on other innings - Fakhar checks that one.

Actual performance as opener - Neither Riz nor Fakhar checks that one yet.

Fakhar hasnt done much yet, but based on his ODI performances, he can win you matches.

Now your turn.

Why should Rizwan play as opener for last 2 years despite not having potential and no actual performance against top class sides?

What are we hoping he does?

 

[mazkhan]

Rizwan only opens In t20s

Him and Babar don't in odis and tests.

Riz babar combination works for us in t20s

We've tried other options including the most natural one in fakhar in t20s and they haven't been able to do anything of note.

We tried experimental options against afghanistan and got some some serious chitrol

So on that basis you play your 2 best options as openers in t20.

T20 is probably pakistans strongest format.

 

[mazkhan]

Dr bassim

Pakistan made the t20 world cup final

As for rizwans stats in t20s go and look at his stats on cricinfo if you think he doesn't have any performance
He's averaging well over 50 against England, South africa , West indies.

His only average performance is against Australia at 27 but that's 5 games only against one of the best pace bowling attack in the world. And in 3 of those innings against Australia he didn't open
When he opened he performed

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Dr bassim

Pakistan made the t20 world cup final

As for rizwans stats in t20s go and look at his stats on cricinfo if you think he doesn't have any performance
He's averaging well over 50 against England, South africa , West indies.

His only average performance is against Australia at 27 but that's 5 games only against one of the best pace bowling attack in the world. And in 3 of those innings against Australia he didn't open
When he opened he performed

I dont care about averages.

T20 is about SR not average.

Plus, his average is highly inflated against B and C class teams of most sides.

No one can say with a straight face that Rizwan is the best T20 cricketer ever in the world based on his 50 average which no not a single cricketer is averaging at the moment.

 

[mazkhan]

Dr bassim Pakistan doesn't have a Warner or finn Allen or youngster beauty in the wings that babar and rizwan are blocking from the opening spot your whole thought process against babar rizwan is asinine and has no basis.

 

[shamaan]

I dont care about averages.

T20 is about SR not average.

Plus, his average is highly inflated against B and C class teams of most sides.

No one can say with a straight face that Rizwan is the best T20 cricketer ever in the world based on his 50 average which no not a single cricketer is averaging at the moment.

No one claims Rizwan is the best t20 cricketer ever.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Dr bassim Pakistan doesn't have a Warner or finn Allen or youngster beauty in the wings that babar and rizwan are blocking from the opening spot your whole thought process against babar rizwan is asinine and has no basis.

I have no issues with Babar at 3.

Similarly I have no issues Rizwan batting at 6.

Now tell me why its not possible.

I am not even asking for them to be thrown out of the team.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

No one claims Rizwan is the best t20 cricketer ever.

All I want is opening spots be given to aggressive, exciting openers.

I dont want those spots to be at mercy of those who score 50 off 40 balls trying to maintain their averages.

Is that too much to ask for ?

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Guys it's better to discuss Fakhar Zaman's performance here for which this thread was created. If you want to discuss Rizwan's performance please find a relevant thread but plz don't derail this one.

 

[PakEngFan]

They are 2 reasons a player plays at a position despite not having to show a lot for it.

Potential based on other innings - Fakhar checks that one.

Actual performance as opener - Neither Riz nor Fakhar checks that one yet.

Fakhar hasnt done much yet, but based on his ODI performances, he can win you matches.

Now your turn.

Why should Rizwan play as opener for last 2 years despite not having potential and no actual performance against top class sides?

What are we hoping he does?

You can write whatever you want but you haven't answered a question. One average nearly 50 odd with 130 odd Sr and the other 22 with similar Sr.

 

[Dr_Bassim]

You can write whatever you want but you haven't answered a question. One average nearly 50 odd with 130 odd Sr and the other 22 with similar Sr.

Well if averages are all that matter, lets enjoy Riz.

Thanks.

 

[hassan918]

Happy Birthday to one of the best hard hitting batters of Pakistan who turns 33 today.

 

[BouncerGuy]

• 5243 runs in 166 international matches
• 
  
• 2017 Champions Trophy Winner and was the POTM in the Final
• 
  
• 2022 & 2023 PSL winner

On this day in 1990, Fakhar Zaman was born. Happy birthday to the left-handed stylish opener.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I sometimes think with the way Test Cricket has progressed in modern era. Fakhar Zaman could've been a very handy test batter. Even in middle or lower middle order.

 

[topspin]

I sometimes think with the way Test Cricket has progressed in modern era. Fakhar Zaman could've been a very handy test batter. Even in middle or lower middle order.

He should’ve been retained and allowed to bat at 6 in red ball cricket on docile wickets.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Good batter but overhyped way too much.

Take out Zimbabwe and the novelty factor from his first 5 ODIs and it gives a truer reflection of his ability

Average 40
Strike rate 89

 

[mominsaigol]

Good batter but overhyped way too much.

Take out Zimbabwe and the novelty factor from his first 5 ODIs and it gives a truer reflection of his ability

Average 40
Strike rate 89

Take out c string as well.

Edit: I realised your talking about fakhar and not babar in which case how dare you mortal

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Take out c string as well.

Edit: I realised your talking about fakhar and not babar in which case how dare you mortal

He can win matches on his day though. Like in Bangalore when he got a depleted NZ attack to bully.

Problem with Bobby and Rizzy is they can't bully even such attacks.

 

[mominsaigol]

He can win matches on his day though. Like in Bangalore when he got a depleted NZ attack to bully.

Problem with Bobby and Rizzy is they can't bully even such attacks.

Good boy, out of respect, I shall spare your life today for you spoke the truth.

Edit: JK JK I wuw you ❤.