![Why Pakistan will miss Fakhar Zaman [Source:@Hashir245/X.com]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1740040677175_Fakhar'simportance.jpg?type=mq)
Why Pakistan will miss Fakhar Zaman [Source:@Hashir245/X.com]
It is inevitable as Pakistan's dynamic opener, Fakhar Zaman is set to miss the Champions Trophy clash Vs India, set to take place on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. The opener got injured against New Zealand and is doubtful for the big match against arch-rivals.
He suffered an injury blow during the first over of the New Zealand innings and never properly recovered from it as the batter came out to bat at number 4, but failed to deliver the goods. Now, as per a report by DAWN, Fakhar hasn't travelled with the team to Dubai for the match Vs India, and is likely to be ruled out of the entire tournament.
With him ruled out, Pakistan will certainly miss his services in the entire tournament and here's why.
1) Outstanding ODI stats
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Matches | 86 |
| Runs | 3651 |
| Average | 46.21 |
| Strike-rate | 93 |
Not Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan, but Fakhar Zaman is Pakistan's greatest match-winner and his outstanding ODI record speaks for himself. In 86 ODIs for Pakistan, the swashbuckling batter has amassed 3651 runs, at an average of 46.21, with a strike-rate of 93.
With no Saim Ayub in the squad, he was Pakistan's biggest hope in the tournament, and now with him getting ruled out, the defending champions will sweat hard for the India clash, a match which Pakistan need to win to stay alive in the competition.
2) No Fakhar, no aggression at the top
Prior to the Champions Trophy squad announcement, Pakistan's biggest hopes were Saim Ayub and Fakhar. Saim got ruled out and Fakhar got injured during the first game of the tournament. With him being at the top, at-least Pakistan were assured of an aggressive start, but now, that'll be missing against the India clash.
His absence was felt dearly in the New Zealand match, when chasing 321, Pakistan had a slow start and it put pressure on the middle-order as Babar Azam made things tougher for his side and Pakistan lost the match by 60 runs.
Every single team has an aggressive opener in their side. India has Rohit Sharma, New Zealand has Devon Conway, Australia has Travis Head, but Pakistan has no one at the top.
3) He decimated the Indian attack in last Champions Trophy
Fakhar Zaman CT 2017 final Vs India
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Runs | 114 |
| Balls | 106 |
| Strike-Rate | 107.55 |
The last time India played against Pakistan in the Champions Trophy, Fakhar Zaman showcased his class and decimated the Indian bowlers. He slammed 114 off 106 balls and single-handedly helped his nation win the mega event.
In that game, India had Jasprit Bumrah in their lineup, but for the upcoming clash, and the entire tournament, Bumrah was ruled out and it would have given Pakistan and Fakhar a psychological edge, as they would have fancied their chances of taking out India in Bumrah's absence.
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