Indian commentator Aakash Chopra believes that Fakhar Zaman could be the weak link in Pakistan’s top order in World Cup 2023. The global 50-over Mahakumbh will be played in India from October 5 to November 19. Pakistan failed to reach the semi-finals in the 2019 edition of the tournament and will be hoping for a better performance this time around.
In a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra reflected on the top order of some of the strongest teams. He was a bit skeptical about Fakhar performing well as an opener for Pakistan, elaborating:
“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.”
On the other hand, the former Indian opener praised the records of Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam in the ODI format. They said:
“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.”
Aakash Chopra agreed that Babar’s strike rate of around 90 could be a bit low. However, he added that the Pakistan skipper is expected to bat consistently as players like Shadab Khan and Mohammad Nawaz can come in later and accelerate.
Also read: Shubman Gill Tops Test Score During Team’s Indian Training Camp For Asia Cup 2023: Report
“His Figures Are Not Looking Great” – Aakash Chopra On David Warner As Australia’s Potential Opener
Turning his attention to Australia, Aakash Chopra believes David Warner, Travis Head, and Steve Smith could be his top three. About Warner, he said:
“They have plenty of options. I am going with David Warner. He has an average of 45 in 142 games. However, only three of his 19 hundreds have come in Asia and the average of 45 comes down to 36. He hits a lot in T20 cricket in these conditions. He goes absolutely down in Tests and his numbers are not looking very good in ODIs.”
Cricketer-turned-commentator pointed out that Travis Head and Steve Smith also do not have strong numbers in Asia. he explained:
“Travis Head – an average of 40 overall and 38 in Asia. One of his three centuries has come in Asia. It’s not been a very big career. Steve Smith – an average of 44 in his ODI career, only two of his 12 centuries have come in Asia and the average reduces to 39.”
Aakash Chopra is not sure about England’s possible top three. He pointed out that Jason Roy and Joe Root have impressive ODI numbers in Asia as well. However, he pointed out that Phil Salt, who could open with Roy, averages only 18 in the three ODIs he has played in Asia.
