"My dream is to play for Pakistan for many years" : Fakhar Zaman

[todfod 11]

played well according to the situation. the pitch was slow and he can play well under pressure as well. He has much better technique then leg side hoick selfizad and that he has shown in pentangular cup as well as quaid e azam. people calling selfizad better then him are fools.
the best thing about him today was he played aggressively and he got runs.. I dnt care anymore this format require player who can play aggressively easing to the eye or not doesnt matter.

 

[Square Drive]

the depression of losing sharjeel is actually real.

think playing under mcullum will help his game in the long run. fingers crossed

remember Sharjeel's footwork?
nobody cared if he was a hack, he had no footwork etc once he started hitting boundaries and scoring some runs everyone became a fan
same is gonna happen with Fakhar if he gets selected and started scoring no matter how he does that and I think we'll take it

Insha'Allah Fakhar is picked and he does well.

 

[Barragan]

An excellent player of spin.

However, he needs to improve his game against pace through the offside.

He is worse than Sharjeel through that region.

 

[Cpt. Rishwat]

remember Sharjeel's footwork?
nobody cared if he was a hack, he had no footwork etc once he started hitting boundaries and scoring some runs everyone became a fan
same is gonna happen with Fakhar if he gets selected and started scoring no matter how he does that and I think we'll take it

Sharjeel is a very good player of genuine pace bowling so he has the ability to pick the ball early and dispatch it to the leg side. That's not a hack, that's picking the flight of the ball very early. If Zaman has a similar ability then great, I have only seen him playing today where he was not really getting any short deliveries so I have no idea what he is like off the back foot.

 

[Sub-Zero]

Insha'Allah Fakhar is picked and he does well.

Insha'Allah bro, I think Fakhar can emulate Sharjeel's style of batting
remember when Sharjeel only had 2 scoring shots, cut and pull, everyone was not his fan but later he improved and started scoring

i hope Fakhar does that too

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

remember Sharjeel's footwork?
nobody cared if he was a hack, he had no footwork etc once he started hitting boundaries and scoring some runs everyone became a fan
same is gonna happen with Fakhar if he gets selected and started scoring no matter how he does that and I think we'll take it

Sharjeel is a very good player of genuine pace bowling so he has the ability to pick the ball early and dispatch it to the leg side. That's not a hack, that's picking the flight of the ball very early. If Zaman has a similar ability then great, I have only seen him playing today where he was not really getting any short deliveries so I have no idea what he is like off the back foot.

adding to the above quote -- the only player in pakistan who could take genuine pace on. not in the 135-140 pace but wood, starc kinda pace and that is why people liked him or were hoping for a long career from him.

the reason why some of us are not fully sold on fakhar yet is the same that ian bishop stated on air - his back foot game which has not been tested as of now. players in pakistan circuit can do well for years (read rafatullah mohmand) and then face international bowlers who take approximately 02 deliveries to find and target shortcomings of the said talents and run them to the ground sending them all the way back to domestic cricket. this initiates a life of non-stop cribbing and whinging by our players blaming everything including gravitational waves, astrological alignments, pluto not being considered a planet anymore etc. etc. while easily overlooking the fact that they never improved their game and were never international class in the first place.

cannot and do not want to lose another player to such a situation again (read: mukhtar, nauman anwar, shahzeb, yasir hameed, imran nazir, sohaib maqsood etc.)

 

[Sub-Zero]

Sharjeel is a very good player of genuine pace bowling so he has the ability to pick the ball early and dispatch it to the leg side. That's not a hack, that's picking the flight of the ball very early. If Zaman has a similar ability then great, I have only seen him playing today where he was not really getting any short deliveries so I have no idea what he is like off the back foot.

bro Zaman scored 170 in the QeA trophy final against the bowling attack of Irfan (who loves bowling short), Asif, Zulfiqar Babar and Waqas Maqsood (one of the best fast bowlers last season), his strike rate was over 70 and he hit 19 fours, I don't think he is uncomfortable against anyone, he doesnt look classy to the eye but he can get the job done

 

[Hamza_]

Sharjeel is a very good player of genuine pace bowling so he has the ability to pick the ball early and dispatch it to the leg side. That's not a hack, that's picking the flight of the ball very early. If Zaman has a similar ability then great, I have only seen him playing today where he was not really getting any short deliveries so I have no idea what he is like off the back foot.

He is weak against short stuff and express pace. Not a dominant puller or cutter of the ball like Sharjeel, Also not as gifted timer of the ball as Sharjeel or maybe even Ahmed Shehzad. Fakhar's spin play is fabulous however, Fantastic use of the feet, Has eye on the vacant areas and uses his hands and feet very well against spin.

Having Fakhar in the team will make things very similar from batting perspective, Because he too likes medium pace and spin bowling like Malik, Sarfraz and rest of our batsmen. Now he (Fakhar) maybe a good player and certainly has scored runs but it's likely that by smashing medium pacers and spinners in domestic, Also today in his half century he was dropped in 30s or 40s by Sanga, He is more suited at #4 or #5. And as Mamoom said, It's highly unlikely that he would score against opposition's like SAF, AUS, England.etc mostly against Zimbabwe, SL and WI. His reflexes are low as well which shows he is limited as a player in natural ability.

 

[GudduBadmash]

Not worth investing in.

Interesting kind of

Who is your choice for that opening slot?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Interesting kind of

Who is your choice for that opening slot?

Ahmed Shehzad and Rifatullah.

 

[Hamza_]

Ahmed Shehzad and Rifatullah.

What about Umar Amin?

 

[Hamza_]

Anyother left handed batsman who could possibly take up opening slot from Sharjeel in case he is gone for long time?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Anyother left handed batsman who could possibly take up opening slot from Sharjeel in case he is gone for long time?

None that are polished enough. There was one batsman that caught my eye in the U-19 team, Gauhar Hafeez. He's a leftie and a pretty clean striker of the ball. Hits the ball hard but very raw. Quite an explosive batsman, keep an eye on him.

 

[abughio]

Very disappointed.. he doesnt look the solution to our problems..

Even his cross batted hoicks were not going for soxes in this small ground. Which shows his lack of power. His balance was not good too..

Shahzaib is better.. but he is inconsistent. The way sharjeel improved. Hoping against hope for shahzaib too. Also sharjeel was not as developed player as ppers are making him. It was just that he was playing series on pitches which suited him.

If u wanna invest on fakhar. It is vetter you call back shahzad.

 

[Hamza_]

None that are polished enough. There was one batsman that caught my eye in the U-19 team, Gauhar Hafeez. He's a leftie and a pretty clean striker of the ball. Hits the ball hard but very raw. Quite an explosive batsman, keep an eye on him.

How is his stance and balance? Any videos?

 

[Syed1]

None that are polished enough. There was one batsman that caught my eye in the U-19 team, Gauhar Hafeez. He's a leftie and a pretty clean striker of the ball. Hits the ball hard but very raw. Quite an explosive batsman, keep an eye on him.

Wasn't he the captain of the u19 team in the WC?

 

[Chief Destroyer]

How is his stance and balance? Any videos?

http://www.icc-cricket.com/u19-world-cup/videos/media/id/6707/match-highlights-pak-v-eng

Not much to go on. Start of Pakistan's chase.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Wasn't he the captain of the u19 team in the WC?

Yes, he was. The guy with the tanky build.

 

[Syed1]

Yes, he was. The guy with the tanky build.

Well he wasn't very impressive in the WC. Was actually quite a big tuk tuk. His opening partner on the other hand, Zeeshan Malik, was quite dynamic.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Well he wasn't very impressive in the WC. Was actually quite a big tuk tuk. His opening partner on the other hand, Zeeshan Malik, was quite dynamic.

Yeah, I know he didn't have a good WC. I'm rating him purely on ability.

 

[msb314]

He seems decent with good potential.

I'd say open with him and Shehzad in ODI's.

 

[Hamza_]

Well he wasn't very impressive in the WC. Was actually quite a big tuk tuk. His opening partner on the other hand, Zeeshan Malik, was quite dynamic.

Zeeshan Malik looks decent

 

[Sub-Zero]

He seems decent with good potential.

I'd say open with him and Shehzad in ODI's.

that would be alright

 

[msb314]

that would be alright

Honestly, that is the best way to go for now in ODI's.

For Tests - I'd say open with Shehzad and (though some may disagree) I'd like to give another opportunity to Shan Masood. That guy lack talent but has one of the most important attributes for Test cricket - grit. Certainly an upgrade over Sami Aslam imo.

No idea who should open in T20's - it is the most uncertain position right now.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

Umar must open in ODIs. Not this guy

 

[ahmedwaqas92]

Umar must open in ODIs. Not this guy

Ok, let's have this discussion NOW !!! - Objective facts only !!

Why should Umar open in ODIs ???? Explain to me.....

 

[Ellipsism]

Ok, let's have this discussion NOW !!! - Objective facts only !!

Why should Umar open in ODIs ???? Explain to me.....

To get 10 runs in the first five balls, then hoick the last ball of the over straight into the hands of a boundary rider, but alas we'll see his fans shouting praise saying he got "Pakistan off to a quick start".

 

[Hawkeye]

Like I've said earlier, needs to improve his game.

Got away with all leg side hoicks yesterday, and some people have no idea and can't realize how bad it is.

No, he's not the Sharjeel your of player where even if he prefers leg side he d do great. Sharjeel had a good off side game, but his reflexes, ability to judge and hit pace at will plus shot selection was way better.

Need to improve else teams will work him out. But he has potential to improve.

 

[Chief Destroyer]

Ok, let's have this discussion NOW !!! - Objective facts only !!

Why should Umar open in ODIs ???? Explain to me.....

Natural player of pace. Only 2 boundary riders. Aerial route opens up. Greater margin for error. If he scores his usual 30-40, we'd be off to a good start.

 

[Hasan123]

Basically if you bowl out of his comfort zone he will struggle. He needs to work on his game . If he's selected I won't be to upset and if not selected you can see why.

 

[NauV]

Any proper batsman that has to SLOG to score at a decent rate is not worth investing in . . and that's exactly the issue with Fakhar Zaman! He slogs!

 

[Sub-Zero]

To get 10 runs in the first five balls, then hoick the last ball of the over straight into the hands of a boundary rider, but alas we'll see his fans shouting praise saying he got "Pakistan off to a quick start".

He doesn't even play that fast nowadays, expect a 10 from 15 balls and then catch out on a miss timed shot

 

[abughio]

Any proper batsman that has to SLOG to score at a decent rate is not worth investing in . . and that's exactly the issue with Fakhar Zaman! He slogs!

Yep.. very logical answer to the problem

 

[abughio]

Waiting for zeeshan malik to play in televised match now ..

 

[in_cutter]

From what I have seen of him...he will be ok at T20i level..not sure about thd longer formats. Plays alot of hoicks & slogs.

 

[Sports_Psychologist]

Any proper batsman that has to SLOG to score at a decent rate is not worth investing in . . and that's exactly the issue with Fakhar Zaman! He slogs!

Ahm Ahm and Shaarjeeel Ain't????????????

 

[Hamza_]

Ahm Ahm and Shaarjeeel Ain't????????????

Please watch Sharjeel's 79 vs Australia in 5th ODI.

 

[Abdullah719]

Zaman making his mark in PSL

At a time when Pakistan is despondent over the loss of Sharjeel Khan, another dashing left-hand batsman, Fakhar Zaman, is making his presence felt, scoring a solid 36-ball 56 in Lahore Qalandars’ hard-fought seven-run win over Karachi Kings in Sharjah on Thursday.

The 26 year old, Pakistan Navy trained, is fondly called “Soldier” by his teammates, and has been scoring runs in every domestic tournament. Just like Sharjeel, the Pakistan Super League (PSL) is likely to elevate this youngster to international ranks.

Sharjeel’s loss could be Zaman’s gain, just like Junaid Khan benefitted when Mohammad Amir was banned for five years after the spot-fixing scandal in 2010.

Last week, Sharjeel was provisionally suspended after breaching the Pakistan Cricket Board’s anti-corruption code by meeting a suspicious man linked to an international betting syndicate.

Khalid Latif was also suspended for the same offence.

“My job is to score runs and I am doing that, so I know that hard work will pay off and I will be included in the Pakistan team sooner than later,” said Zaman after his man-of-the-match performance.

He smashed three powerful sixes and five well-timed fours to lift his team to 179 for 8 in 20 overs.

“It is my wish to play for Pakistan, like every youngster playing at domestic level has, so I am doing the hard work,” said Zaman. “I hope that PSL will bring that good news for me.”

Zaman is on the selectors’ radar for the tour of West Indies which commences after the PSL, more so because Sharjeel faces a lengthy ban.

Zaman stroked a masterful 170 in the final of the Quaid-e-Azam trophy final in Karachi last year. He was the second-highest run-getter behind Ahmed Shahzad, with 297, in the Pakistan Cup one-day tournament last year.

He also had success against England Lions in the series in the UAE, and made a wonderful 180 in an unofficial one-day match for Pakistan A on the tour of Zimbabwe last year.

“I have benefitted from A team tours because when you go abroad and score runs. it’s different from what you do at domestic level,” said Zaman. “I am waiting for the call for national duty.”

http://www.wisdenindia.com/cricket-news/zaman-making-his-mark-in-psl/241757

 

[dauntless]

From what i saw he has played some hoicks he doesn't look like a proper batsman! But his intent is really good he can bat like this in t20s.He should be drafted in t20is squad against west indies!Atleast he is no ahmed dot balls king shehzad!

 

[ayemgilani86]

i think hes going to be good, everyone here will be proven wrong, hes played some good domestic innings

 

[Hamza_]

Already a missed stumping at 36

 

[Hamza_]

Won't work out against Quality Bowling.

 

[marlonbrowndo]

I was saying he wasn't good enough before the tournament started and the cricinfo experts were all over me. Now people are slowly realizing why after watching him bat

 

[Syed1]

I was saying he wasn't good enough before the tournament started and the cricinfo experts were all over me. Now people are slowly realizing why after watching him bat

One failure and you lot are running out of your caves

 

[marlonbrowndo]

One failure and you lot are running out of your caves

He's scored in this tournament. This failure has nothing to do with it

 

[Rayyman]

Imo it's now between him, Shezzy, and Prof. for the opening slots.

 

[Abdullah719]

Makes his debut today for Pakistan.

 

[The intelligent Supporter]

Makes his debut today for Pakistan.

Extremely Mediocre Cricketer

 

[Hamza_]

Mediocre player. Very average.

 

[Ellipsism]

Not good enough.

He'll be exposed badly by Gabriel and Alzarri considering he can't play pace.

 

[dildildalwalla]

I like Zaman. His performances peak of themselves. Is he a classical, all round batsman? No. But we're talking about him being in the side for t20s and possible ODIs. We need more players with his intent. Get him up at 3/4 (Depending on where they want Babar).

 

[Arsalan Pro]

One match doesn't prove anything, hopefully he will be given a consistent run.
Also he already played better then that old senior M Hafeez by taking lesser balls to make same runs,his performances will improve.

 

[Speedster777]

He's Far better than TTF hafeez. Give him a consistent run

 

[Ellipsism]

Rubbish batsman.

Over dominant bottom hand, tries to heave every ball and a terrible stance.

 

[bilawal666]

Fakhar Zaman has a terribly unattractive style of batting

Not so easy the eyes is Fakhar Zaman. Doesn't use his feet much and just seems to crouch and swipe everything. He nails one or two every now and again but I have a feeling he's gonna be exposed pretty badly against quality bowling attacks.

 

[Hawkeye]

He's Far better than TTF hafeez. Give him a consistent run

Lol. What a joke.

 

[in_cutter]

Another legside hack it seems. Trying to smash everything legside.

 

[Rayyman]

Should be opening.

 

[Rana]

This is supposed to be our answer to Sharjeels absence?

 

[Ellipsism]

Should be opening.

It won't make a difference when you can't play pace.

 

[Rayyman]

Played okay today.

 

[Hamza_]

Pathetic

 

[pakistanigoneaussie]

Played okay today.

Seriously?

 

[Markhor]

Half of this forum was crying for his selection when these flaws should've been clear for anyone to see.

Why do our batsmen regress so much in domestic cricket ? What are our domestic coaches doing, can they not see these flaws ?

 

[Rana]

This is supposed to be our answer to Sharjeel's absence?

 

[bilawal666]

Half of this forum was crying for his selection when these flaws should've been clear for anyone to see.

Why do our batsmen regress so much in domestic cricket ? What are our domestic coaches doing, can they not see these flaws ?

Absolutely, people on this forum have a habit of needlessly hyping players based on their numbers, etc. Unfortunately I don't see Zaman succeeding at the international level unless he does some serious work on his batting.

 

[Speedster777]

Better than hafeez anyday give him as many chances as him and then talk. He should be opening for us.

 

[Square Drive]

OK and? We all know that.

Our alternatives right now are Kamran and Shehzad and so I'd persist with Fakhar.

Fakhar is an OPENER and should open.

 

[Ellipsism]

Better than hafeez anyday give him as many chances as him and then talk. He should be opening for us.

At the very least Hafeez can lay at on ball, Fakhar can't even do that.

 

[fasihulhaq94]

would be great if zaman actually succeeds at international level just to see the critics with egg on their face

 

[Rayyman]

OK and? We all know that.

Our alternatives right now are Kamran and Shehzad and so I'd persist with Fakhar.

Fakhar is an OPENER and should open.

Shehzad has failed now.

Fakhar and Akmal should open in the next match.

 

[Square Drive]

Looked very ugly but I'd persist with him over Shehzad as an opener for now.

 

[Madplayer]

would be great if zaman actually succeeds at international level just to see the critics with egg on their face

Many people are watching him bat for the first time. I have watched him bat a few times before and he looked nothing like this when he used to open. He is a stroke maker and they are trying to create a slogger out of him because they have no one at 6.

 

[bilawal666]

OK and? We all know that.

Our alternatives right now are Kamran and Shehzad and so I'd persist with Fakhar.

Fakhar is an OPENER and should open.

I don't think he has the right kind of technique to be opening the batting.

 

[Flat_Track_Bully]

Shaky technique. Next.

 

[ethan hunt]

Is sharjeel the only one in the country who can hit back of a length fast bowling ??
This guy looks awful . Some terrible coaching at the juinor level .
I hope for his sake that its only t20 thats somehow making him bat this way.

 

[Square Drive]

Shehzad has failed now.

Fakhar and Akmal should open in the next match.

Babar should open. Kamran at #3.

Fakhar
Babar
Kamran
Malik
Sarfraz
Shadab
Imad
Nawaz
Hasan
Rumman
Shinwari

Rest Wahab and "rest" Tanvir.

 

[Square Drive]

I don't think he has the right kind of technique to be opening the batting.

OK yeah let's keep opening with Shehzad then, k?

 

[LordJames]

Marginaly better version of Awais Zia

 

[fasihulhaq94]

Many people are watching him bat for the first time. I have watched him bat a few times before and he looked nothing like this when he used to open. He is a stroke maker and they are trying to create a slogger out of him because they have no one at 6.

half the people here dont know what they are talking about. he was out of sorts today but so what.

Unless he gets 5-6 t20s under his belt, too early to judge him.