mak36
First Class Captain
- Joined
- Dec 18, 2016
- Runs
- 6,079
- Post of the Week
- 3
I wouldn't be surprised if Fakhar saw himself in Sahibzada as there seems to be a lot of similarities in the characters of Fakhar and Sahibzada. Even their careers seem to have followed similar paths. Allow me to explain:
- Both faced early failures in their cricketing careers and considered leaving altogether, but instead they both chose to work hard and adapt their game.
- Fakhar is selected for the CT, and plays because the first choice opener isn't performing.
- Sahibzada is selected for PC, and plays because the first choice opener isn't available.
- Fakhar scores runs throughout a high-profile ICC tournament, (31, 50, 57 and 114- averaging 63.00 at a strike rate of 113) despite the fact (i) every game is a virtual knock-out (ii) he is making his debut and (iii) he has never never played in an ICC event before.
- Sahibzada scores runs throughout the most high-profile ODI domestic tournament (53, 54, 58, 54, 112- averaging 66.20 at a strike rate of 103.43), despite the fact (i) he has only previously played 2 List A games and (ii) is making his debut in the Pakistan Cup.
- On the biggest platform of all, an ICC final against arch rivals India, Fakhar scores a (match-winning) century.
- On the biggest platform Sahibzada has faced, a domestic final with increased expectations on him as well as the added pressure of the selectors watching closely, Sahibzada scores a century.
- To top it all off, Sahibzada now scores a century in this practice match. That might not sound much, but actually it is another instance of him showing he can deal with pressure. He scored this century knowing full well this was going to be one of few opportunities to impress Mickey and co before they select the squad for SL. All the players at the Camp knew that if they impressed during the practice matches they may well be selected for the upcoming SL series. By scoring this century Sahibzada has shown great character and should (hopefully) have one foot on the plane to the UAE.
To sum up, both Fakhar and Sahibzada have shown batting ability but more importantly both have also shown mental strength and determination. Both have shown they are hard workers who will bat selflessly for the team. Most importantly of all, both have shown that they will make the most of any opportunity given to them, however small, and both seem to excel under pressure. All of this bodes well for the future. Who knows what the future has in store, but hopefully Fakhar continues to excel whilst Sahibzada has certainly shown enough promise and character to be tested at the highest level.
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You don't judge talent on spreadsheets alone. 
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But but but he has only played a few matches 
