Riding on Fakhar's strokeful ton, Pakistan aimed to reach a competitive total in their innings.
Fakhar Zaman (Photo: AFP)
Fakhar Zaman was about to leave the ground with a long face for a lowly 3. But destiny had something else to offer — a new lease of life to him. Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah had overstepped the crease and umpire was alert enough to spot that. The delivery was declared a no ball when Indian team was celebrating the ‘first wicket’ of the arch-rivals Pakistan.
Fakhar took a U-turn with a smile to take stance and looked back. The reversal of decision proved too costly for India as he stayed on the crease till 34th over. He completed his century, 114 to be precise, with aplomb, nearly outplaying almost all Indian bowlers.
Riding on Fakhar's strokeful ton, Pakistan aimed to reach a competitive total in their innings.
Advertisement
Watching the game-changing knock by the 27-year-old southpaw, cricketing fraternity couldn't resist hailing the new gen Pak sensation.
West Indies batsman Daren Sammy predicted a 320-plus score by the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side.
"That guy Fakhar is making India pay for that NoBall.. what a difference he's been for Pakistan… #INDvPAK #ct17 320+ would be needed," Sammy tweeted.
Former Australian skipper Michael Vaughan called it a big wicket when Hardik Pandya dismissed Fakhar in the 34th over. "Huge wicket ….. but what a Fakhar 100 that was ….. #PAKvIND #CT17," Vaughan said.
Former England batsman Ian Bell too joined in, saying: "What an innings from Fakhar Zaman. Whatever happens from here, this guy's made a name for himself & put Pakistan right in it. Game on! #CT17."
Fakhar earned praise from former Pakistan skipper Shahid Afridi as well, who titled the left-hander as 'Fakhar-e-Pakistan'.
"What a memorable knock…You are indeed Fakhar-e-Pakistan! #FakharZaman, Keep going guys no dot balls let's keep piling the runs," Afridi said.
Cricket expert and commentator Harsha Bhogle compared Fakhar with former batsmen, who played at the opening spot for Pakistan in the past. "What is it with left-handed openers from Pakistan against India? Saeed Anwar, Salman Butt, even Nasir Jamshed, now Fakhar Zaman," Bhogle tweeted.
Advertisement
