Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman made a resounding return to the team as he hammered Bangladesh bowlers all over the ground during Match 31 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 on Tuesday, 31st October at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.
The left-handed batter had been omitted from the squad following the first match against the Netherlands due to problems with his knee.
Fakhar started his innings steadily, scoring three runs from his first 11 deliveries. However, he finally broke free with a sensational stroke against Taskin Ahmed in the third ball of the fifth over. The opener struck the ball towards deep mid-wicket, and it sailed a colossal 99 metres. The shot produced a delightful sound as the bat connected with the ball, leaving the commentators in awe.
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The Men in Green are on their way to win over Bangladesh courtesy of a great 128-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman and Abdullah Shafique. Fakhar made 81 while Abdullah contributed 68.
Earlier, Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi took three wickets to help limit Bangladesh to 204 all out.
Shaheen finished with 3-23 and was ably supported by Mohammad Wasim’s 3-31.
Haris Rauf took 2-36 as Bangladesh struggled on a dry and slow Eden Gardens pitch where they folded in 45.1 overs.
Bangladesh, who won the toss and batted, only passed the 204-run mark thanks to a solid 70-ball 56 from Mahmudullah, 45 by Liton Das and skipper Shakib Al Hasan’s 64-ball 43.
It must be noted that Pakistan have to win their remaining two games in the World Cup 2023. They play New Zealand on October 4 and England on October 12.
- Fakhar Zaman