Fakhar Zaman [Source: AFP Photos]
Pakistan’s dynamic opener Fakhar Zaman achieved a significant career milestone on September 2 by earning his 100th T20 International cap. He reached the landmark during the fourth match of the T20I Tri-Series against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, becoming only the sixth Pakistani cricketer to enter this exclusive club.
Zaman, a key figure in Pakistan's white-ball setup since his 2017 debut, now finds himself among an elite group of players renowned for their longevity and consistent contributions to the national team.
Fakhar Zaman Joins Elite Pakistan List
The left-handed batter joins the illustrious company of Babar Azam (128 matches), Shoaib Malik (125), Mohammad Hafeez (119), Shadab Khan (112), and Mohammad Rizwan (106). Ahead of the high-voltage clash, the team celebrated his achievement warmly.
Zaman's memorable landmark was celebrated too as in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), fast bowler Haris Rauf was seen hugging the top-order batter, while all-rounder Khushdil Shah gave him a tap of appreciation.
Most matches for Pakistan in T20Is
- Babar Azam – 128 matches
- Shoaib Malik – 125 matches
- Mohammad Hafeez – 119 matches
- Shadab Khan – 112 matches
- Mohammad Rizwan – 106 matches
- Fakhar Zaman – 100 matches*
Notably, Zaman completed 2000 runs too while appearing after the 100th match, while maintaining an average of 22.47. He boasts a strike rate of 131.49 with 11 half-centuries to his name.
Zaman's 'Not So Impressive Inning' vs AFG
In the match, Fakhar Zaman accumulated 25 runs off 18 balls, continuing his poor-to-decent UAE Tri-Series run. Coming into bat after Saim Ayub's early dismissal, Zaman played a short knock before falling to Mohammad Nabi in the 8th over.
Zaman's failure and Pakistan's overall batting collapse led to a dismal failure while chasing Afghanistan's 170-run target in 20 overs. Surprisingly, Haris Rauf top-scored with his 16-ball 34 while Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers with 4 scalps for Pakistan.
Afghanistan, with the win, now almost secures their spot in the final with Pakistan as the other contender. Pakistan will next play against the UAE on September 4 to finalise their spot for the series finale on September 7.