PESHAWAR – Fakhar Zaman became the latest Pakistan cricketer to complete 100 T20 Internationals during the Afghanistan vs Pakistan tri-nation clash in Sharjah, but his achievement triggered as much criticism as it did celebration.
The 34-year-old left-hander, who made his T20I debut against West Indies in 2017, joined Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan and Mohammad Rizwan in the select group of Pakistan players to have reached the century mark in the shortest format. Babar Azam tops the list with 128 appearances, followed by Shoaib Malik (125), Mohammad Hafeez (119), Shadab Khan (112) and Mohammad Rizwan (106).
Ahead of the Afghanistan vs Pakistan encounter, teammates congratulated Fakhar in the dressing room. In a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board, fast bowler Haris Rauf embraced him while allrounder Khushdil Shah offered his applause. PCB captioned the clip: “Pakistani batter Fakhar Zaman is congratulated by teammates before the Afghanistan match for completing 100 T20Is.”
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By the time he walked out against Afghanistan, Fakhar had scored 1,975 runs from 99 matches at an average of 22.44, including 11 half-centuries. In his landmark game, he struck 25 runs from 18 balls before being dismissed during Pakistan’s chase of 170.
Social media backlash overshadows milestone
Yet the milestone did little to ease the pressure on a player long accused of failing to replicate his one-day form in T20 cricket. Social media reaction during the Afghanistan vs Pakistan contest was deeply divided.
Some praised Fakhar’s journey “from fearless debutant to the pride of Pakistan”, recalling his role in memorable victories. But others were scathing. One fan wrote: “Fakhar Zaman is the biggest fraud to ever play 100 T20Is for Pakistan.” Another added: “He plays in the team only because of his three sixes off Mitchell Starc and Aqib Javed’s bias. Embarrassing.”
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Several critics pointed to Fakhar’s strike rate of 131 and modest average, arguing he has been given too many chances at the expense of younger players. Suggestions included promoting Mohammad Haris to number three, recalling Hussain Talat in place of Fakhar, or strengthening the spin attack by adding Abrar Ahmed.
As the Afghanistan vs Pakistan tri-series progresses, selectors face renewed scrutiny over the composition of the batting line-up. For Fakhar Zaman, the landmark of 100 T20Is has arrived with the weight of both acclaim and fierce criticism, leaving his future in Pakistan’s shortest-format side uncertain.
