After losing four consecutive matches, Pakistan made an excellent comeback and thumped Bangladesh by seven wickets in the 31st match of the ongoing ICC World Cup 2023 at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata, India, on Tuesday.
Fakhar Zaman made his comeback after five matches and made sure that he makes the most of it as the left-handed batter scored 81 runs off 74 deliveries with three fours and seven sixes — with one of them being a 99-metre maximum.
Fakhar, who was named the Player of the Match for his heroics, opened up on his remarkable comeback and said that getting time off helped. He also revealed that he discussed it with Abdullah Shafique that after a few overs, he will start hitting sixes.
"Time off helped. I practised a lot after the Asia Cup. I felt good in the camp. I wanted to score big but, you know, it's cricket," Fakhar said in a post-match ceremony. "I was talking to Abdullah [Shafique] that I'll see off the first four overs and then hit sixes regardless of how the pitch will play because I know I can and I know my role."
The 33-year-old also said that net run rate (NRR) was in mind and he wanted to finish the game early to improve it.
"NRR was in our mind. After 100, we were looking to finish the game before 30 overs. After too many failures, I was just looking to score the first 30 and struggling. Hopefully, I'll make it big in the coming games.
"We will try to win our remaining matches by big margins. The wickets in India are batting friendly and bowlers have to bowl at good length."
Fakhar also discussed his injury that kept him out for five matches in the World Cup.
"My injury was not that serious, I could have played even with it. I rested for a while and it got better," he added.
Pakistan will now play New Zealand in another must-win match on November 4 in Bengaluru. The Green Shirts would have to win the match at all costs if they want to keep their hopes of playing the event's semi-final alive.
- Fakhar Zaman