Fakhar Zaman’s batting woes continued, with Pakistan losing an early wicket in the must-win Asia Cup 2023 Super 4 game against Sri Lanka.
In a must-win clash at the Asia Cup 2023 Super 4, Pakistan faced an early setback after a delayed toss in their favor. Fakhar Zaman’s persistent batting struggles continued as he failed to capitalize on a last-minute inclusion in Pakistan’s playing XI.
The moment that highlighted Zaman’s woes came when Sri Lanka’s Pramod Madhusan bowled a stunning delivery that swung late, leaving Fakhar no room for maneuver. The ball found its way through Fakhar’s gate and crashed into the stumps, dismissing him for a mere four runs off 11 balls. This early setback have added pressure to Pakistan’s quest for victory against Sri Lanka.
Wicket #1:
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Babar Azam and his team had to make two crucial changes to their starting lineup ahead of the game due to unfortunate circumstances. Imam-ul-Haq experienced a back spasm, while Saud Shakeel was sidelined due to fever. Consequently, Fakhar Zaman, who had initially been omitted, was reinstated into the lineup.
However, Fakhar’s recent batting form has left much to be desired, with scores of 14, 20, 27, and 4 in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. His struggles extended to the recent ODI series against Afghanistan in Sri Lanka, where he managed just 59 runs in three matches. Fans have taken to the social platform X to express their disappointment with Fakhar Zaman’s consistent underperformance.
Sri Lanka’s recent hero, Dunith Wellalage, emerged as a standout performer, nearly single-handedly securing their victory against India. Nevertheless, the team faces pressing concerns with their pace bowling department and the underwhelming top-order batting.
Pathum Nissanka and Dimuth Karunaratne have struggled to find their form in the Asia Cup, magnified by the absence of key pace bowlers like Lahiru Kumara and Dushmantha Chameera. The nature of the pitch in Colombo will be a pivotal factor. If it resembles the one against India, Sri Lankan spinners could grant them a significant advantage.
Last Updated on September 14, 2023
Senior Sports Copywriter
