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How Pakistan Are Wasting Fakhar Zaman By Putting Extra Trust On Sahibzada Farhan

Aashay Chopade

Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan (Source: AFP)Fakhar Zaman and Sahibzada Farhan (Source: AFP)

Pakistan have started their Asia Cup 2025 campaign on a strong note, winning against Oman by a comprehensive margin of 93 runs. They delivered a dominant bowling show, while on the batting front, they had their hiccups.

Haris'  Number 3 Promotion Works; Sahibzada Continues To Struggle

Mohammad Haris, who was in poor form in the UAE tri-series, was promoted to number 3, and the wicketkeeper batter delivered. He scored a fifty and showed the world and the team management that he is better suited to bat up the order rather than in the lower middle order.

However, as Haris came out to bat at number 3, it meant that Fakhar Zaman was pushed further down to number four. The left-handed Fakhar stayed unbeaten but could score just 23 runs in 16 balls and struggled to find his mojo in the middle overs. 

On the other hand, Sahibzada Farhan, who has been under pressure for lack of runs as an opener, played a run-a-ball knock of 29. It raises more questions about whether Pakistan are doing the right thing by persisting with him at the top or whether they could make a change for the big game against India.

Criterion
Data
Innings
21
Runs
407
Average19.38
Strike-Rate127.58
100/500/3

Sahibzada Farhan scored two fifties earlier this year against Bangladesh and West Indies, but has not done well on the either side of those knocks at the international level. In the last six innings, the form has dwindled further, with the highest score of 29 against Oman, which was way below the attacking standards that Pakistan are looking to play.

Thus, the batter has clearly struggled and with the options of players like Mohammad Haris and Fakhar Zaman at Pakistan's disposal, they could be more helpful in place of Sahibzada Farhan.

Why Pakistan Should Consider Mohammad Haris As Permanent Number 3 In T20Is?

It is clear that Mohammad Haris likes to bat somewhere in the top-3, and it is a place where he has expressed himself better over the years in franchise and domestic cricket as well. In domestic T20 cricket, Haris has a brilliant strike rate of 154.8 and has the knack of hitting regular boundaries, which can be utilised by Pakistan at the international level too. 

Mohammad Haris At Number 3 In T20Is

Criterion
Data
Innings
11
Runs
320
Average32
Strike-Rate160
100/501/1

At number 3, Haris has done well at the international level with an average of 32 and a strike rate of 160. He has shown this power game at three at the franchise level, too, and looking at the numbers, it seems that he is best suited for the number 3 position.

Situation Apt For Pakistan To Use Fakhar Zaman As Opener In T20Is

Now, if we consider Fakhar Zaman, he has also batted mostly in top-3 for Pakistan. Also, he is naturally an opening batter and has done well at that position in PSL and even at the international level. He was forced to bat at three for Pakistan in T20Is because of the presence of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who were doing well.

Fakhar Zaman As Opener In T20s

Criterion
Data
Runs3450
Balls2498
Average30.8
Strike-Rate138.1
100/502/25

However, there is no such issue now, and Pakistan can easily bring one of their most dangerous batter to his preferred position. Even in 2025, Fakhar Zaman sizzled as an opener in T20s with a strike-rate of 146.2 and an average of over 30. Thus, it seems to be a high-time Pakistan uses him at that position at the international level too.

Also, leaving out Sahibzada Farhan and bringing Fakhar Zaman as an opener would help free up a position in the lower middle order. Pakistan can then opt for Hussain Talat, who can provide a seam-bowling option along with his batting in the middle order. If they want a spin-bowling all-rounder, then Khushdil Shah is also there who can play the role of a finisher in PSL with a good amount of success.

Conclusion: 

Thus, if Pakistan drop Sahibzada Farhan for the game against India, it could be a win-win situation for them. Their most senior batter would get a chance to bat in his preferred position, and with his experience of doing well against India in past, it could prove to be a masterstroke. 

Also, Harris would get a settled number 3 position, and Pakistan will get a cushion of another all-rounder in their playing XI.