Pakistani cricket sensation Fakhar Zaman revealed his eagerness to embrace any batting role assigned to him in the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, scheduled to kick off on January 12 at Auckland's Eden Park.
Known for his explosive batting style, Fakhar Zaman displayed a team-first attitude, expressing his willingness to bat at number six or seven, should the team management decide to shuffle the batting order.The charismatic batsman, confident in his ability to impact matches from any position, sees this as an opportunity rather than a sacrifice.
"I don't view it as a sacrifice. If the team management doesn't see me fitting into the opening position, it suggests they believe I can contribute to winning matches batting lower in the order. Given the competition for spots in the national team, I consider myself fortunate to secure a place in the playing XI, especially with the impressive performances from players like Babar, Rizwan, and Saim," Fakhar stated.
With the likely batting order featuring Rizwan and Saim as the opening pair, followed by Babar at one-down, Fakhar Zaman is expected to take the fourth position. His adaptability adds a valuable dynamic to the team's lineup, providing flexibility in crucial situations.
Looking beyond the New Zealand series, Fakhar Zaman shared his vision for the 2024 T20 World Cup. He suggested experimenting with new players in the upcoming 15 to 20 matches, allowing senior players strategic rest while maintaining a balanced team for the highly anticipated tournament.
"You can create a backup for Babar and Rizwan, but it is difficult to take their place. Since we have 15 to 20 matches before the World Cup, we can try new players, and senior players can be given rest in some matches," Fakhar emphasized.
Pakistan squad
The full squad, led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and vice-captain Mohammad Rizwan, includes promising players like Abbas Afridi, Azam Khan, and Haris Rauf. The series is set to unfold across various iconic venues in New Zealand, promising cricket enthusiasts an exhilarating display of talent and teamwork.
