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The Fiery Fakhar Zaman Factor That Ended Pakistan's 28-Year Drought In 2018

Soumyajit Dutta

Fakhar Zaman in action [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]Fakhar Zaman in action [Source: @cricketcomau/X.com]

Fakhar Zaman emerged as the undisputed star of the 2018 T20I tri-series in Zimbabwe, delivering a series of explosive performances that guided Pakistan to a long-awaited trophy and earned him the Player of the Tournament award. 

Zaman's aggressive batting at the top of the order provided the foundation for Pakistan’s success, culminating in a spectacular victory over Australia in the final, their first win against the Aussies in a tournament decider in 28 years.

Fakhar Zaman Starts Off Tri-Series With Fire

Fakhar Zaman announced his intent from the very first game against Zimbabwe, smashing a rapid 61 from just 40 deliveries. His innings, which included three boundaries and three sixes, set the tone for Pakistan’s commanding total of 182/4. The left-hander’s fearless approach demoralized the bowling attack and laid the platform for a comprehensive 74-run victory.

Zaman then continued his rich vein of form in the return fixture against Zimbabwe, contributing a vital 47 from 38 balls. Though slightly less explosive than his debut knock, it was a mature innings that stabilised the chase of 163. His partnership with Hussain Talat ensured Pakistan coasted to a seven-wicket win with five balls to spare, further cementing their place in the final.

It was against Australia, however, that Zaman truly showcased his big-match temperament. In the group stage encounter, he produced a breathtaking 73 from just 42 balls, hammering nine fours and three sixes at a strike rate of 173.81. His assault on the Australian bowlers propelled Pakistan to 194/7, a total that proved insurmountable as they secured a 45-run victory.

The Australia Heroics That Defined The New Zaman

Fakhar Zaman playing against Australia [Source: @bunny_mahmullah/X.com]Fakhar Zaman playing against Australia [Source: @bunny_mahmullah/X.com]

But Zaman saved his best for the final. Chasing 184 against a formidable Australian side, Pakistan found themselves in early trouble at 2/2 after Glenn Maxwell’s double strike in the very first over. Unfazed by the collapse, Zaman launched a stunning counterattack. He took particular liking to Maxwell, smashing 21 runs in his third over to shift momentum decisively.

Even after the run-out of Sarfaraz Ahmed, Zaman remained focused. He cleverly manipulated the field, targeted loose deliveries, and maintained a high tempo despite mounting pressure. His six off Marcus Stoinis followed by a boundary in the same over exemplified his control and confidence. 

He brought up his fifty with another six and seemed destined for a century until he fell for a magnificent 91 off just 46 balls. His innings included eight fours and six sixes and left Pakistan within touching distance of victory, which Shoaib Malik calmly secured. Throughout the tournament, Zaman amassed 278 runs at an average of 55.60 and a staggering strike rate of 157.06. 

As Zaman heads for UAE Tri-Series 2025, the 2018 triumph not only ended Pakistan’s long wait for a final victory over Australia but also reminds Zaman’s emergence as a pillar of their batting lineup in limited-overs cricket.