Fakhar Zaman reveals that he used a bat gifted by Mohammad Hafeez during the ODI series against South Africa

Pakistan opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has revealed that he used a bat gifted by senior pro Mohammad Hafeez during the recent ODI series in South Africa. The left-handed batsman hit two consecutive centuries against South Africa to power Pakistan to a series win. This was Pakistan’s second ODI series win in the rainbow nation after winning a series 2-1 back in 2013. 

Zaman hit his second-highest ODI score during the second ODI when he smashed 193. That knock was also the highest score in a run chase in ODI history. He followed that knock in Johannesburg with an inning of 102 in the final ODI in Centurion. Pakistan had won the first ODI and then went on to the third ODI to claim the series by a margin of 2-1. 

Zaman revealed that the bat he had gotten as a gift from Hafeez was the one that he used during this series. He noted that he was feeling uncomfortable with the ones which he had. “The bat that I used in the series was gifted to me by Muhammad Hafeez,” Zaman said at a virtual press conference on Thursday.

It would be great if I can open with Sharjeel during the upcoming T20I matches: Fakhar Zaman

The southpaw was also named player of the series for his two centuries. He was not initially named in the T20I squad for the series against South Africa. However, after his knock of 193, the selectors have named him in the T20I squad for the series in South Africa and later in a series against Zimbabwe. 

Sharjeel Khan, the hard-hitting opener will be seen opening for Pakistan in the T20Is. Zaman said that he is quite eager to open the innings with Sharjeel. “It would be great if I can open with Sharjeel during the upcoming T20I matches against South Africa and Zimbabwe,” Zaman said. “I would feel really good if I get the opportunity to bat alongside him. He makes cricket look very easy. So, let’s see what happens going forward,” he added.

The left-handed batsman further said that he can bat at any place in the line-up. He noted that these days, players need to keep a mindset to float around in the batting order. “I can play at any position they ask me to bat on. Nowadays in T20 cricket, you have to develop a mindset to be someone who can float in the batting order,” he added.

WATCH the rapid-fire with Farveez Maharoof