Mickey Arthur said that Fakhar Zaman will be a legend: Imad Wasim

It is only been a week since Pakistan lifted their first Champions Trophy title. They got their hands on the coveted trophy after mauling their arch-rivals India by 180 runs in the finals at The Oval in London. Before the start of the tournament, Pakistan were labelled as the underdogs who might surprise in a couple of games.

But the No. 8 ranked ODI team punched above their weight to script a memorably triumph in England. Sarfaraz led his team with conviction and their bowlers responded brilliantly post their humiliating defeat against India in their first group game. The think-tank did an amazing job in handing a debut to Fakhar Zaman after the loss to India. The southpaw got runs in every game and finished as Pakistan’s highest run-getter in the eight-nation tournament by scoring 252 runs in 4 innings.

Speaking to Pakpassion, all-rounder Imad Wasim was thrilled to be a part of the winning squad. “Our nation needed that victory and we wanted to deliver this happiness to them. We feel lucky and still cannot believe that we are part of this team that has given so much happiness to the nation. The reception we got at home after winning the Champions Trophy is out of this world.”

‘Fakhar a legend in the making’

Wasim heaped praises on Zaman, who scored a breathtaking century in the finals to help his side post a mammoth total of 338 for 4. He narrated an incident which gives an insight into Zaman’s attacking mindset.

“In the match against England at Wales where the boundaries are shorter and Fakhar Zaman was facing bowling which was very quick and bouncers were being bowled too; he kept on hitting the ball and Azhar Ali asked him what are you doing, he says that Azhar Bhai, I am trying to get a top-edge six.”

Imad, who did a wonderful job with the ball for his side, said that Mickey Arthur was amazed by his unabashed stroke play and had high hopes from him.

“Mickey Arthur was sitting outside and he says that this guy will be a legend”
Zaman is a good player of the short ball. He dispatched short balls for four during the curse of the tournament but was also hit on the head a few times. Imad sees the funny side to it.

Zaman is a good player of the short ball. He dispatched short balls for four during the curse of the tournament but was also hit on the head a few times. Imad sees the funny side to it.

“The amount of times Fakhar has been hit on the head, I told him you can now become the brand ambassador for Masuri”

Pakistan was guilty of fielding horribly in the opening game against India where they dropped a few catches. They came back with a memorable performance in the field in the next game against South Africa. They stunned everyone with their fielding as it was immaculate on the day.

“The way we fielded in the South Africa game, I told Steve Rixon (fielding coach) that don’t worry, this also happens sometimes!”