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'Drop Fakhar Zaman Against India!' Pakistan WC-Winner Calls For A Desperate Measure

image-llz8n7zmFakhar Zaman scored 14 against AFG (AP Photo)

India will take on Pakistan at the Pallekele International Stadium in Sri Lanka on September 2. This will be the first ODI between the two sides after their face-off in the 2019 ODI World Cup.

Pakistan started their Asia Cup 2023 campaign against Nepal and registered a huge 238-run victory. Babar Azam and Iftikhar Ahmed were the standout performers with the bat - Babar scored 151 while Ahmed remained unbeaten on 109 - as Pakistan scored 342 for 6 in the first innings, which their bowlers defended effortlessly. Shadab Khan picked up four wickets while Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf picked up two each.

Despite the win, it can be pointed out that Pakistan's openers once again struggled to get going. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed for 14 while Imam-ul-Haq fell for nine runs. Fakhar, in particular, has been out of form for a while now. In the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, the southpaw was able to score only 2, 30, and 27 across three matches.

Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja feels that Fakhar needs to be dropped for some games for him to be able to regain his focus.

"The major concern is Fakhar Zaman. He's an unconventional hitter, and when such players go through a lean patch, finding solutions becomes a drawn-out process. He's a bottom-handed player, often favouring leg-side shots. He's managed to work around that and score even with that technique," Ramiz said on his official YouTube channel.

"His performance against Afghanistan was also disappointing across three matches. His body language indicates struggle and an in-form opener is crucial for Pakistan. If both Fakhar and Imam perform poorly, it amplifies the pressure. Pakistan needs to evaluate Fakhar's situation. I believe a break would benefit him and the team. Resting him could be a prudent move. He's a talented player who has received opportunities, but considering his current form, risking him against India might not be wise," Ramiz added.

While Nepal was a relatively easier opponent to beat, Pakistan will now be up against arch-rivals India. However, rain may play spoilsport to the much-awaited game.