ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Stephen Fleming, Michael Vaughan hail Fakhar Zaman for blistering debut vs South Africa

CT 2017: Fleming, Vaughan hail Zaman for blistering debut vs SA

Pakistan‘s opener Fakhar Zaman received praise from former greats Stephen Fleming and Michael Vaughan after making successful debut against South Africa in their second encounter from the ongoing ICC Champions Trophy 2017 on Wednesday. The 27-year-old smashed 31 off 23 balls, including 6 boundaries, and maintained an impressive strike rate of 134 as Pakistan bounced back from their humiliating defeat against India to register a 19-run win (DLS method) over South Africa at the Edgbaston.

Zaman was brought in place of Ahmed Shahzad after the latter failed in the tournament-opener versus India. The left-hander started the onslaught from the word go in a modest chase against South Africa. He was at ease against Proteas’ pacers in form of Kagiso Rabada and Wayne Parnell. Such was his dominance that out of the 40-run stand with Azhar Ali, Fakhar got to 31 and thereby contributed majorly in the partnership. His List A record, 2271 runs at 50.46 from 48 innings, speaks volumes of his side’s trust on him and will hope to continue in same stead.