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The ODI World Cup 2023 is right around the corner, scheduled to take place in India from October 5 to November 19. Pakistan, led by their captain Babar Azam, is determined to improve upon their performance from the previous edition in 2019, where they fell short of reaching the semi-finals.
Currently, the Pakistani team is engaged in a three-match ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, and they have been performing well, leading the series 2-0. However, there is a concerning issue in the form of Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s opener, who has been struggling with his batting in both games of the series.
Aakash Chopra casts doubt on Fakhar Zaman’s effectiveness
In a recent video shared on his YouTube channel, Aakash Chopra, a former Indian cricketer, has raised doubts about Zaman’s effectiveness as an opener for Men in Green in the upcoming ODI World Cup.
The 45-year-old expressed skepticism regarding Zaman’s ability to consistently deliver strong performances, particularly when facing spin bowlers. Chopra states that that Zaman tends to lose his wicket against spin, making him a potential weak link in Pakistan’s top-order batting for the highly anticipated tournament.
“Fakhar Zaman – more than 3000 runs at an average of 48 in 72 matches. Three of his 10 centuries have come in Asia. His average actually falls in Asia. It becomes 38.9 and that actually tells you that maybe it’s spin. He throws his wicket against spin quite a few times. So Fakhar Zaman could be that slight weak link,” Chopra said.
Aakash Chopra expresses admiration for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam
On a more positive note, Chopra had words of praise for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar, two key figures in Pakistan’s ODI lineup who have shown remarkable consistency and success in the format.
“Imam-ul-Haq – 61 matches, 2871 runs at an average of 52. His average jumps to 56 in Asia. Three of his nine centuries have come in Asia. Imam-ul-Haq is a good player. Babar Azam comes after them. He is brilliant in this format. More than 5000 runs in 102 matches. His average becomes nearly 64 in Asia and is 58.4 otherwise,” the Agra-born cricketer concluded.
Pakistan’s campaign in the ODI World Cup 2023 will kick off with their opening fixture against the Netherlands on October 6th. Nevertheless, the highlight of the tournament, a high-voltage clash, is scheduled for October 14th when Babar’s Pakistan will face Rohit Sharma‘s India at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, a match that cricket fans around the world are eagerly awaiting.
