Fakhar Zaman [Image Credits- Twitter]
Former Indian opener Gautam Gambhir has reckoned that Pakistan's batting is more dependent on wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, and not on their out-of-form skipper, Babar Azam.
Rizwan has been the lynchpin of Pakistan's batting in Asia Cup 2022 even as his partner, Babar, has struggled for runs.
In 5 innings so far, Rizwan has so far scored 226 runs at an average of 56.50 and a strike rate of 118.95 with the help of two 50+ scores as opposed to 63 runs from Babar in as many outings.
But, for Gambhir, it's not Babar, who has been the biggest disappointment from Pakistan in this Asia Cup, it's Fakhar Zaman.
Zaman has been woeful in the ongoing continental tournament, managing just 96 runs in 5 innings at an average of 19.20, and a strike rate of 104.35.
With Babar not in form, Gambhir believes Fakhar needs to step up in the final to relieve pressure off Rizwan.
Speaking to Star Sports ahead of the Asia Cup final, Gautam Gambhir said:
"I don't think they have that much over-dependency on Babar Azam, considering his form in this tournament and despite that, they are playing the final. So it is a good thing from their point of view," as quoted by India Today.
"They are definitely dependent on Rizwan because he is their aggressor and he gives them the momentum any team wants in the first six overs. Babar is world class, he can come in form anytime but Fakhar Zaman has disappointed me. It is extremely important for Fakhar Zaman to come in form."
 "Yash Mittal")
