Fakhar Zaman: Player Profile of Pakistan’s Aggressive Left-Handed Opener

Early life and rise

Fakhar Zaman was born in 1990 in Katlang, in the Mardan district of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. He worked his way up through domestic cricket and the Pakistan Super League, where his hard-hitting batting won attention, before making his international debut in 2017.

Playing style

Fakhar is a left-handed opening batter who looks to dominate from the start. He is a fierce striker of the ball, particularly strong through the off side and over the top, and he has the ability to score quickly in all formats of limited-overs cricket. His natural attacking game often sets the tone for Pakistan’s innings.

Career highlights

Fakhar’s big moment came in the final of the 2017 Champions Trophy at The Oval, where he scored a century against India as Pakistan won by 180 runs. It was one of the most significant innings of his career and helped Pakistan to a first title in the tournament.

In 2018, he scored 210 not out against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, the first double century by a Pakistani batter in one-day internationals. In domestic cricket, he has played for Lahore Qalandars, who won the Pakistan Super League in 2022 and 2023.

His reputation rests mostly on his white-ball cricket.

Legacy

Fakhar Zaman is regarded as one of Pakistan’s most dangerous white-ball openers. His 2017 final century and his 2018 double century are two of the most memorable innings in the country’s one-day history. A fearless approach and a willingness to take the attack to the bowlers have made him a favourite among supporters and a consistent threat in franchise cricket.

Frequently asked questions

What is Fakhar Zaman’s highest ODI score?

He scored 210 not out against Zimbabwe in Bulawayo in 2018, the first ODI double century by a Pakistani batter.

What did Fakhar Zaman do in the 2017 Champions Trophy final?

He scored a century against India at The Oval as Pakistan won the match by 180 runs.

Which PSL team does Fakhar Zaman play for?

He has played for Lahore Qalandars.