Fakhar Zaman, the left-handed batsman for Pakistan, emphasized the need for a reality check for the national team before the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled for June in the West Indies and the USA.
In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Digital, Fakhar talked about how the unexpected defeat in the first T20I against Ireland served as a wake-up call for the team. He mentioned how the loss motivated every player to strive for better performance in the next match.
Fakhar stressed the importance of maintaining the same level of determination and momentum leading up to the T20 World Cup.
“The loss in the first game was a wake-up call for us. It was on our minds during the second game, pushing everyone to give their best,” said Fakhar.
“We want to keep this momentum going all the way to the World Cup,” he added.
In the second T20I, Pakistan faced a tough challenge of chasing 194 runs. Despite losing young opener Saim Ayub (6) and skipper Babar Azam (0) early on, the team bounced back, thanks to a remarkable 140-run partnership between Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan.
Fakhar emerged as Pakistan’s top scorer, scoring 78 runs off 40 balls, including six fours and six sixes, while Mohammad Rizwan’s unbeaten 75 off 46 balls earned him the Player of the Match award.
