Former India opener Aakash Chopra believes Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman could be a weak link in the Babar Azam-led side’s top order in the upcoming ICC ODI World Cup.
Chopra highlighted Zaman’s poor batting average in Asia. He highlighted that the 33-year-old has a tendency to throw his wicket away against spin. In 72 ODIs, Zaman has scored 3000 runs at an average of 48, but his average falls to 38.9 in Asia.
In a video on his YouTube channel, Chopra stated, “Fakhar Zaman – more than 3000 runs at an average of 48 in 72 matches.” Three of his ten centuries came in Asia. In Asia, his average actually declines. It becomes 38.9, which indicates that it could be spin. He throws his wicket several times against spin. So Fakhar Zaman could be the weakest link.”
On the other hand, Chopra was full of praise for Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam. Imam has scored 2871 runs in 61 ODIs at an average of 52. Babar has amassed 5000 runs in 102 ODIs at an average of 58.4.
“Imam-ul-Haq is a good player and Babar Azam is brilliant in this format. He is expected to bat steadily because Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz can come in and accelerate later,” Chopra added.
Pakistan will be hoping to improve on their performance in the 2019 World Cup, when they failed to make the semi-finals. The tournament will be held in India from October 5 to November 19.