By Zainab Shafiq 
In the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, Pakistan’s journey has been filled with twists and turns, and one of the latest twists is the news of Fakhar Zaman’s absence from the team due to a knee injury. As fans eagerly await the crucial match against Australia in Bengaluru on October 20, the question on everyone’s mind is whether this is a significant blow to Pakistan’s campaign or perhaps, in some ways, a relief.
A Stellar Career Dipped in Recent Form:
Fakhar Zaman, Pakistan’s explosive left-handed opener, has had a stellar career and has been instrumental in several of Pakistan’s memorable victories. However, if we take a closer look at his recent performance, it becomes evident that he hasn’t been at his best. In his last 12 ODI innings, he has failed to reach even a single half-century. This stark inconsistency in form has raised questions about his place in the team and whether his absence is more of a relief than a blow.
Analyzing the Recent Numbers:
Let’s look into the statistics of Fakhar’s last 12 innings to understand why his absence might not be as detrimental as it initially appears. During this period, he has managed to score only one fifty-plus score. He has struggled to make an impact against teams like New Zealand, Afghanistan, Nepal, and the Netherlands, failing to convert starts into significant innings. With an average below 30 and a strike rate that’s not as explosive as his reputation suggests, Fakhar’s struggles were evident.
| Innings | Runs | Balls | Fours | Sixes | Strike Rate | Dismissal | 50s | Opposition | Venue | Date | ODI # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12th last | 19 | 40 | 4 | 0 | 47.50 | Caught | 0 | vs New Zealand | Karachi | 3 May 2023 | 4573 |
| 11th last | 14 | 28 | 2 | 0 | 50.00 | Caught | 0 | vs New Zealand | Karachi | 5 May 2023 | 4574 |
| 10th last | 33 | 90 | 5 | 0 | 36.67 | Caught | 0 | vs New Zealand | Karachi | 7 May 2023 | 4575 |
| 9th last | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 40.00 | Caught | 0 | vs Afghanistan | Hambantota | 22 Aug 2023 | 4625 |
| 8th last | 30 | 39 | 5 | 0 | 76.92 | Bowled | 0 | vs Afghanistan | Hambantota | 24 Aug 2023 | 4626 |
| 7th last | 27 | 35 | 5 | 0 | 77.14 | Caught | 0 | vs Afghanistan | Colombo (RPS) | 26 Aug 2023 | 4627 |
| 6th last | 14 | 26 | 3 | 0 | 53.85 | Caught | 0 | vs Nepal | Multan | 30 Aug 2023 | 4628 |
| 5th last | TDNB | – | – | – | – | – | – | vs India | Pallekele | 2 Sep 2023 | 4630 |
| 4th last | 20 | 43 | 3 | 0 | 46.51 | LBW | 0 | vs Bangladesh | Lahore | 6 Sep 2023 | 4634 |
| 3rd last | 27 | 98 | 2 | 0 | 27.55 | Bowled | 0 | vs India | Colombo (RPS) | 10 Sep 2023 | 4639 |
| 2nd last | 4 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 22.22 | Bowled | 0 | vs Sri Lanka | Colombo (RPS) | 14 Sep 2023 | 4644 |
| last | 12 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 85.71 | Caught | 0 | vs Netherlands | Hyderabad | 6 Oct 2023 | 4659 |
In a tournament like the Cricket World Cup, consistency is key. And with the competition being as intense as ever, every player’s form holds immense importance. While Fakhar Zaman has certainly been a match-winner for Pakistan in the past, his recent form raised doubts about his ability to perform consistently in high-pressure games.
The Potential Silver Lining:
The silver lining in Fakhar’s absence is the opportunity it provides to a younger, potentially more in-form player. This situation allows Pakistan to explore fresh talent and find a replacement who can bring stability to the top order. In the world of sports, injuries to key players often create opportunities for rising stars, and Pakistan might just unearth a new gem in this process.
Furthermore, Fakhar’s injury might give him some time to recuperate and work on his fitness and form, making him a stronger contender when he returns to the team. It can be seen as a temporary setback for the greater good of both the player and the team.
Also, see:
T20 World Cup 2024: Where will India vs Pakistan take place?