Pakistan and New Zealand faced off each other in a crucial match of ICC World Cup 2023 in Bengaluru on Saturday.
Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman scored an extraordinary 106-run century off 69 deliveries.Fakhar brought up his century in a style that only he can. His swashbuckling innings included nine sixes and seven boundaries.
Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag took to ‘X’ to express his admiration for the left-handed opener, saying, “What an innings by Fakhar Zaman, by far Pakistan’s best batter. Which brains kept him on the bench for the best part of the tournament, God knows. Protein ki bhi kami nahin, jajbe ki bhi. #NZvsPak.”
What an innings by Fakhar Zaman, by far Pakistan’s best batter. Which brains kept him on the bench for the best part of the tournament, God knows.
There is no need for protein, there is also need for passion. #NZvsPak pic.twitter.com/t6GdvKRjJ5— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) November 4, 2023
Even cricket legends like Ian Raphael Bishop and Shoaib Akhtar praised Fakhar’s performance.
Bishop posted, “Top knock from Fakhar Zaman. The freedom of spirit and controlled aggression is wonderful. 4th century vs New Zealand in 2023.”
Top knock from Fakhar Zaman. The freedom of spirit and controlled aggression is wonderful. 4th century vs New Zealand in 2023.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) November 4, 2023
Shoaib Akhtar shared his admiration, saying, “Fakhar Zaman, you are a superstar, a great 100 – just keep on going after the rain stopped.”
Fakhar Zaman you are a super star great 100 just keep on going after rain stopped .
— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) November 4, 2023
Not only did Fakhar’s century captivate the cricket fraternity, but it also brought hope to Pakistan’s supporters in the match against New Zealand, which was marred by intermittent rain interruptions.
Former Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi tweeted, “Rain Rain Go away Come Again another day! Our players are playing well. @FakharZamanLive is in full flow & Momentum, we don’t want to lose that right now.”
Rain Rain Go away Come Again another day ! Our players are playing well @FakharZamanLive is in full flow & Momentum we don’t want to lose that right now
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) November 4, 2023
Wow, what a run chase. This is what Fakhar Zaman can do if he comes off. He wins unwinnable matches and Pakistan must wonder why he cannot marry consistency to his destructive powers. But today, he is putting his team firmly back in the tournament.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 4, 2023
