I personally like facing Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah, reveals Fakhar Zaman

Pakistani opener Fakhar Zaman is possibly one of the most exciting batsmen in world cricket today. The left-hander is the only batsman from the Asian country to score an ODI double century, a feat, he achieved against Bangladesh and has a stellar record in the shortest format of the game as well. Zaman is currently playing in the Pakistan Super League 2020 for Lahore Qalandars.

However, he is yet to fire for the Qalandars in with scores of 19,33,22,15, and 20 in the matches he has played so far. His T20 record is much better with 2792 runs in 112 matches with 16 half-centuries and 1 century with strike-rate of 134.61 and an average of 26.59. He recently opened up about his love for facing fast bowlers and which of the batsmen he likes to emulate. He also opined on PSL 5 being hosted in Pakistan itself, in an interview with Cricket Pakistan.

‘Mitchell Starc is another bowler that I enjoy facing’: Fakhar Zaman

“All bowlers are good in international cricket. All of them are tough to face. I personally like Jofra Archer and Jasprit Bumrah. Mitchell Starc is another bowler that I enjoy facing. They are the kind of bowlers who are different than everyone else. When you face them, it is a different experience. I have enjoyed facing a lot of bowlers especially spinners because the wickets used in international cricket are very flat. The ball doesn’t turn too much because of that,” Zaman was quoted by Cricket Pakistan.

Zaman spoke about how the Qalandars’ team is aware of fans’ frustration with their performances. The team has never won the PSL trophy and is currently at the bottom of the points table with 2 wins from 6 matches, earning 4 points.

“They are disappointed because they love us so much. It is in our hands to work hard and earn their love once more. I am working hard and I will try to earn back that love in the PSL. It’s [opening and living up to expectations] is not that hard, to be honest. It depends on your form and how you carry yourself,” he added.

He called PSL being played in Pakistan a breakthrough, citing a local league played in Mardan featuring some international players and the love it received by the fans. He said that the league changed the districts’ cricket with academies opening, players getting exposure and investments coming in.

The dashing opener called Australian Adam Gilchrist his idol and South Africa’s AB de Villiers as the batsman he admires the most. He says that he is inspired by these two players and wants to play like them.