Fakhar Zaman receives praises from former legends for his brilliant debut

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman has been receiving praises from several quarters and rightly so. Former cricketers Michael Vaughan and Stephen Fleming have also praised the 27-year old who had a dream debut in Pakistan’s second group game against South Africa on Wednesday. The debutant hit 31 off 23 balls, including 6 boundaries, at a strike rate of 134 as Pakistan found some momentum in the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 after being humiliated by India in their opening game.

The young batsman was brought in the playing XI to replace Ahmed Shahzad after the latter failed in the 124-run defeat against arch-rivals India. The left-hander began his strong cameo from the word go to ensure Pakistan still remains in the hunt for the semi-finals. He played Proteas’ pacers Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell with ease. His List A record that of 2271 runs from 48 innings at 50.46 speaks volumes of his calibre and justifies his selection for such a big tournament.

“Where has Fakhar been hiding? (He) looks like a marvellous striker of a ball!” exclaimed former England captain Michael Vaughan in a tweet during the match. Similarly, former Kiwi captain Stephen Fleming expressed delight at the talent of the 27-year-old batsman. “Question has to be asked ─ where has this Fakhar been hiding? Great start Pakistan!” tweeted Fleming.

Brendon McCullum’s influence on Zaman 

“Everyone is looking forward to the tournament. For me, personally, it’s the first big tournament and I am aiming to give my best. We have been practising hard since we arrived here, indoors and outdoors, we are well prepared and looking forward to the tournament. I want to give my best in the match,” Fakhar had said before the tournament started.

Zaman played a lot of cricket with Brendon McCullum during the Pakistan Super League and said that sharing the dressing room with the legend helped him a great deal.