Fakhar says feel proud to break Saeed Anwar's record
July 20, 2018
Pakistan’s flamboyant opening batsman Fakhar Zaman said that he feels proud to break the batting record of a legend like Saeed Anwar.
“I feel very good. Feel proud that I have surpassed the record of a legend like Saeed Anwar,” the left-handed batsman said in a video interview released by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Fakhar became the first Pakistan player to hit a double century in one-day internationals as Pakistan cruised to a massive 244-run win over Zimbabwe in the fourth ODI at Bulawayo on Friday.
The 28-year old smashed 210 not out from 156 deliveries, moving past the previous record for a Pakistan batsman set by Saeed Anwar with his 194 more than 21 years ago.
Ever the modest one, Fakhar said that he never put much thought into making and breaking records when he started playing cricket as his aim was just to get a chance of playing first class cricket.
“When I started, I only wanted to play a FC match, and when I did it, I started thinking of playing an international game to get the status of an international player, never thought of playing this much or creating a world record,” he said.
Saeed Anwar´s wasn´t the only record to tumble. Pakistan´s openers blazed to a world record 304-run stand, with Imam-ul-Haq hitting 113, to set up their innings, the triple hundred partnership becoming Pakistan´s biggest for any wicket in ODIs.
It also broke the previous record for an opening stand in all internationals, set by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga for Sri Lanka against England at Headingley in 2006.
Talking about his innings, the batsman said that he didn’t plan for a 200.
“200 was not in my mind actually. I planned for 100, and then after completing the century, I kept on moving up the scoreboard without keeping anything in my mind.
“Instruction was to play as long as I can. I was trying to get a good start for the team. Imam played well too with me,” he added with a promise of giving even better performance in future games.
Fakhar also spoke about all the people who helped him throughout his career and supported him. He dedicated his performance to the people who stood with him during the times when he was struggling.
“I want to dedicate this to Sir Nazim, and my friends from Pakistan Navy with whom I shared room. My coaches at NCA. When I first played for Pakistan A I was struggling but they helped me. I also want to thank Azam Khan, Zafar bhai of Karachi Cricket, who always helped me. I also dedicate this to all the people who helped me in my struggling day,” he said.
