A day to celebrate for all WC broadcasters, says Michael Vaughan as Fakhar Zaman gets selected

The last time Fakhar Zaman batted in England, he helped Pakistan create history. The left-handed batsman had scored a sensational century in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, helping Pakistan thrash arch-rivals India in the marquee clash. The triumph over India concluded a fairytale for Pakistan who came to the tournament as the lowest-ranked side, lost their tournament opener before going all the way.

Fakhar did extremely well after that. He starred for Pakistan during the 5-0 win over Zimbabwe last year. During that very series, he had also become the fastest to 1,000 ODI runs. However, he soon lost his form and is yet to show the form that made him a household name not very long ago. Since the Zimbabwe series in August, the left-hander has failed to score consistently. Following the tour, he has managed to score just 377 at an average of 29. That is against a career average of 53.4. His strike-rate during this period was 83 while it was 102 till the Zimbabwe tour.

Fakhar also had an average outing in this year’s Pakistan Super League. In 10 games, he managed to score just 285 runs at an average of a shade over 28. But fortunately for him, his barren run with the bat in recent times has not proved costly so far. Pakistan, on Friday, announced their World Cup squad and Fakhar made it to the 15-man list which can be altered till May 23 without the need of any permission from the ICC.

And former England skipper Michael Vaughan feels Fakhar’s inclusion is a big boost for the broadcasters. Vaughan was clearly mentioning Fakhar’s knock against India in the Champions Trophy final as he tweeted, “A day to celebrate for all World Cup broadcasters … Fakhar Zaman has been picked … !!!!!! #CWC19”

A day to celebrate for all World Cup broadcasters … Fakhar Zaman has been picked … !!!!!! #CWC19

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) April 18, 2019

India and Pakistan, meanwhile, will lock horns in the World Cup on June 16 in Manchester.

Chief selector hopeful of win

Inzamam ul Haq, Pakistan’s chief selector, said the selection panel has assembled the best possible squad which has the potential to win the tournament, “We, the selectors, the coach, and the captain have together drafted our best [possible] squad and tried to keep the Champions Trophy-winning group [intact],” Inzamam said at a press conference. “God willing, this team of ours will be successful.”

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