Fakhar Zaman ends three-year century drought with stunning 127

LAHORE: Pakistan’s experienced opener Fakhar Zaman finally rediscovered his century-scoring touch at the perfect moment, ending a nearly three-year drought with a magnificent 127 against Sri Lanka in the ODI tri-series final at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

The 36-year-old left-handed batter produced a breathtaking performance under pressure, smashing 127 off just 99 deliveries, including 11 fours and six sixes, to rescue Pakistan after a disastrous start to their 326-run chase.

Pakistan were struggling at 14-2 after losing Maaz Sadaqat and former captain Babar Azam in quick succession. However, Fakhar refused to let the early setbacks derail the chase, launching an aggressive counterattack against the Sri Lankan bowling attack.

He found an outstanding partner in young wicketkeeper-batter Saad Baig, and the pair stitched together a crucial 149-run partnership for the third wicket. Baig contributed an impressive 74 off 75 balls, providing valuable support while Fakhar dominated the opposition bowlers.

Fakhar eventually departed in the 34th over, but his innings had completely transformed Pakistan’s position in the final.

The century was particularly significant for the veteran opener, whose previous ODI hundred came against New Zealand during the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in Bengaluru.

On that occasion, Fakhar smashed an unbeaten 126 off 81 deliveries to help Pakistan chase a massive 402-run revised target in a rain-affected match.

Since that memorable performance, the explosive opener had gone through 15 ODI innings without reaching three figures, managing just three half-centuries.

His struggles continued during the ongoing tri-series, where he recorded scores of 16, zero, 10 and five in his first four innings. However, he silenced his critics with a commanding performance when Pakistan needed him most.

The century also brought two major milestones in Fakhar’s international career.

His 12th ODI hundred moved him to fourth among Pakistan’s leading century-makers in the format. Babar Azam and Saeed Anwar jointly lead the list with 20 centuries each, followed by Mohammad Yousuf with 15.

Fakhar also completed 4,000 ODI runs in just 96 innings, becoming one of the fastest batters to reach the landmark. He joined West Indies great Gordon Greenidge and New Zealand’s Kane Williamson in joint 10th place on the all-time list.

Although Fakhar’s dismissal left Pakistan needing further contributions, his remarkable century laid the foundation for a memorable three-wicket victory and the tri-series trophy.

For Fakhar, the final was more than just another century; it was a timely reminder of his match-winning ability and importance to Pakistan’s ODI batting lineup.