‘Fakhar Zaman could be that slight weak link’ - Aakash Chopra analyses Pakistan’s top order ahead of Asia Cup

Pakistan opener Fakhar Zaman failed to establish his authority in the recently concluded three-match ODI series against Afghanistan. In three matches, the 33-year-old could score only 59 runs and that’s a massive reason to worry about as the Asia Cup is just around the corner. In the same vein,, former India cricketer Aakash Chopra also raised his concerns and stated that Fakhar is probably the weak link in the Pakistan team at the moment.

The 45-year-old also pointed out that Imam-ul-Haq is in reasonably good form and can be effective for the team going ahead, while skipper Babar Azam is brilliant in the 50-overs format. Thus, even though the top order overall looks sorted, there are concerns that need to be addressed immediately.

“Fakhar Zaman – more than 3000 runs at an average of 48 in 72 matches. Three of his 10 centuries have come in Asia. His average actually falls in Asia. It becomes 38.9 and that actually tells you that maybe it’s spin. He throws his wicket against spin quite a few times. So Fakhar Zaman could be that slight weak link,” Chopra said on his YouTube channel.

“Imam-ul-Haq – 61 matches, 2871 runs at an average of 52. His average jumps to 56 in Asia. Three of his nine centuries have come in Asia. Imam-ul-Haq is a good player. Babar Azam comes after them. He is brilliant in this format. More than 5000 runs in 102 matches. His average becomes nearly 64 in Asia and is 58.4 otherwise,” he added.

Pakistan’s Asia Cup campaign to begin on August 30

The Babar Azam-led side will play their first game against Nepal on August 30, in Multan. After that, the team will be travelling to Sri Lanka to play against India on September 2. They will once again take on the Men in Blue if both teams qualify for the Super Four of the competition.

Meanwhile, after the Asia Cup, Pakistan will play against New Zealand and Australia in Hyderabad to prepare for the ODI World Cup, as they will play their first game in the mega tournament on October 6, against the Netherlands.