Jasprit Bumrah’s no-ball in the Champions Trophy final made me: Fakhar Zaman

Pakistan batsman Fakhar Zaman made his debut in the Champions Trophy 2017 and the multi-nation tournament turned out to be a massive development in his career. The 29-year-old scored a couple of half-centuries and a 31 in his first three ODIs to start his journey. But the knock he played in the final against India at the Kennington Oval in London made him an overnight superstar.

In that game, the left-handed batsman from Mardan racked up 114 runs off 106 balls with the help of 12 fours and three sixes. The incredible performance propelled Pakistan to 338 in 50 overs and also helped the team win the final by a mammoth 180 runs. However, before really getting off with the awe-inspiring inning, Fakhar rode his luck courtesy of a no-ball from speedster Jasprit Bumrah.

In the fourth over of the match, Zaman knicked one to the keeper when he was on three. Fortunately for the batsman, replays showed that Bumrah’s delivery wasn’t a legitimate one as he had overstepped by a fair margin, that got him a lifeline. From that point, there was no looking back for Fakhar.

Hardik Pandya did eventually dismiss him in the 34th over, but by then, he had already made Bumrah and India pay a hefty price for the blemish. Meanwhile, Zaman went down the memory lane and had no hesitation in admitting that the no-ball made him and the century gave him fame and recognition.

I have become more mature, says Fakhar Zaman

“That no-ball made me. I had a dream before the final that I will be dismissed off a no-ball and it proved to be true. Initially, I was very sad as I had promised my parents to do well in that match,” Fakhar was quoted as saying in Hindustan Times.

“I was very lucky and ever since that century, I have become famous. But with that fame comes responsibility and I have become more mature and now I realise the importance of playing my part. That will be my top priority in the World Cup,” he added.

Fakhar has come a long way ever since. Having played 36 ODIs, he has established his place in the national team, scoring 1642 runs at an average of 51.31. Last year, he also became the first Pakistan batsman to notch an ODI double-century and he accomplished the feat versus Zimbabwe.

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