Shahid Afridi Congratulates Fakhar Zaman on Historic Feat

Pakistan thumped Zimbabwe in yet another lopsided encounter during the fourth One-day International after coasting to a victory by 244 runs. The victory was largely built around a sensational double hundred registered by Fakhar Zaman.

The promising opener Zaman has really taken the world by storm and is slowly but steadily establishing himself as one of the top openers in the limited-overs cricket.

The left-handed batsman Zaman was quite severe on the Zimbabwe bowlers and smashed them all through the Queen’s Park in Bulawayo on Friday (July 20).

After batting first, Pakistan never really allowed Zimbabwe to get into the game. The opening partnership of Fakhar and Imam-u-Haq yielded 304 runs.

Both the left-handers were quite brilliant during their respective batting displays. The 304-run partnership is now the highest opening stand in ODI history.

The duo eclipsed the record of another left-handed duo of Upul Tharanga and Sanath Jayasuriya of 286 runs which they set way back in 2006 against England.

Another swashbuckling batsman of the yesteryears, Shahid Afridi congratulated Zaman on a sensational achievement. He also lauded him for getting into a league of a world-class opener.

Taking to his twitter handle, the former all-rounder wrote, “Brilliant performance Fakhar Zaman! You’re turning into a world-class opener. Richly deserved, champion in the making. #ZIMVPAK.”

Also Read: Yuvraj Singh Backs National Cricket Despite Criticism from Other Quarters

Brilliant performance Fakhar Zaman! You're turning into a world-class opener. Richly deserved, champion in the making. #ZIMVPAK

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) July 20, 2018

Also Read: CPL 2018: Shoaib Malik Appointed as Skipper of Guyana Amazon Warriors

Fakhar and Imam set up the highest opening partnership in ODI’s:

Meanwhile, Imam also scored a fine ton. He was eventually dismissed on 113 off 122 deliveries. He played as a second fiddle to Zaman but it was the exact type of an innings which was required from Pakistan at that stage.

On the other end, Fakhar Zaman was going great guns and Imam needed to play the supporting role to perfection.

The target of 400 was always going to be almost impossible for the hosts. They were never in the chase and kept losing wickets at consistent intervals. There was not a single partnership and couldn’t even cross the 200 mark.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan continued his dominance and bagged four wickets. He bamboozled the Zimbabwe batsmen with his exceptional variations.

It was an expected victory from Pakistan. They were the clear favourites for the series.

However, their margin of victories has been quite large in all the matches. Pakistan has just thrashed them in all departments and it was yet another mediocre performance by Zimbabwean sans their star players.

Also Read: Brendon McCullum Congratulates Zaman on His Special Double Hundred