June 09, 2017
CARDIFF: After an impressive ODI debut against South Africa, Pakistan's young batting sensation Fakhar Zaman has set his eyes on a big score against Sri Lanka in Pakistan's virtual quarterfinal in ICC Champions Trophy on Monday.
27-year-old Fakhar scored 31 off 23 against South Africa on his debut on Monday, which played an important role in Pakistan's 19 runs victory in the match.
Fakhar regrets that he could not transform his 30 into a fifty or even bigger but now has set his eyes on a big score when he will take on the field against Sri Lanka.
"I will try to spend maximum time on the wicket to give the team a good start so that our experienced middle order can take it further to a big total on the scoreboard," he said.
"I will try to score in three figures," he added.
Fakhar said that there is no particular Sri Lankan bowler on his target and for him everyone is same and he will treat the virtual quarterfinal as just another game.
"I play the ball, not the bowler," he said when asked if any Sri Lankan bowler was on his target.
"I will play every ball on merit and will take maximum advantage if I receive any loose delivery," Fakhar added.
Replying to a question, Fakhar said that the win against South Africa has boosted Pakistan's confidence and he is very hopeful that Pakistan will manage to beat Sri Lanka and qualify for the semifinal.
Talking about his debut innings Fakhar said that he played his natural game and did not allow South Africa bowlers to put him under pressure.
"I played like I used to play in domestic matches, I had decided that I shouldn't go on the back foot and let SA bowlers put any pressure on us," Fakhar said.
"I was trying to play a big inning but unfortunately I couldn't, I should have converted my 30 into a big score but I regret that I couldn't do so," said the young batsman.
