Zaman soldiers on as call of duty awaits
sharjah — Being a former Pakistan Navy trainee, that fearlessness and fighting qualities come naturally to Fakhar Zaman.
And the 26-year-old brought that out to the fore on Thursday night after his team, the Lahore Qalandars, were in a bit of a bother against the Karachi Kings in the HBL PSL at the Sharjah Stadium.
Zaman, nicknamed ‘Soldier’ by his mates, whipped up a delicious half-century, the 13th in this edition of the PSL, and fifth by a Pakistani.
And while Karachi Kings captain Kumar Sangakkara aced Zaman’s 56 with a 65, the Lahore Qalandars aced the game.
Zaman has scored runs by the bucketful on the Pakistan domestic circuit, with an epic 170 more recently for Habib Bank Limited against Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy final in Karachi last December.
He is also the second highest run getter with 297 runs, behind Ahmed Shehzad, in Pakistan Cup one-day tournament last year, apart from scoring a brilliant 180 for Pakistan ‘A’ against Zimbabwe last year. Zaman also did well against the England Lions in the UAE.
Last year’s showing could be a career-defining one with Zaman’s name doing the rounds among the hierarchy in the Pakistan cricket.
On the back of this knock, which followed up the 33 against the Peshawar Zalmi’s, Zaman might be a shoe-in for Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies.
“As far as my name doing the rounds is concerned, it has been going on for quite some time now and whenever I get the opportunity, I will take it with both hands,” said Zaman.
Zaman revealed that captain Brendon McCullum’s advice helped him play aggressively against the Karachi Kings.
“After McCullum got out and was walking back and I was walking in, he told me not to get bogged down by the pressure and he told me to play my natural game.
“So, this innings is thanks to the team management and the captain because the way they have been boosting us and motivating us,” he said.
And Zaman said the opportunity to rub shoulders with some of the top cricketers in the world was a wonderful experience. He also spoke about the tremendous impact McCullum has had on him and the team.
“It has been a great experience so far. Especially, McCullum, who I feel has changed the mindset of the Lahore Qalandars. He has instilled the fighting spirit no matter what the score is,” Zaman said.
“There are a lot of qualities, like on the field, he is very friendly. He is the same as well in the dressing room as well as when we are coming for a game.
“He talks to each and everyone in the team bus. And he gives some really good advice to all the players. More than anything, he tells us to play fearless cricket,” he added.
james@khaleejtimes.com