Aakash Chopra believes that Fakhar Zaman will make a mistake if India puts the Pakistan opener under pressure in the Super Four clash of the Asia Cup 2023. The teams led by Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam will face each other in Colombo on Sunday, September 10. Zaman has scored 34 runs in his two innings so far in the Asia Cup and has not been at his best.
Previewing the game in a video shared on his YouTube channel, Chopra said India would have the advantage if they put pressure on Zaman. he explained:
“Fakhar Zaman has been really silent. He has not been amongst the runs at all. He hits two or three fours, he is not looking that bad while batting but hasn’t scored runs and I remember he scored a lot of runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. He got out to a no-ball, which won’t be bowled this time.”
The former Indian opener added:
“If you dismiss Fakhar from one end with the new ball, Babar will have to come to bat early at No. 3. You have to ensure that Fakhar Zaman’s bad form continues. Put pressure on him and he will commit a mistake.”
Aakash Chopra believes that Rohit Sharma can also bowl a spinner initially against Zaman. He said the option could be used as the left-handed opening batsman has an average record against such bowlers.
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“Babar Azam’s Record Against India Is Also Not That Good” – Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra said that Babar Azam has not been able to score runs in ODI matches against India. He saw:
“Babar Azam’s record against India is also not that good. He hasn’t scored even one half-century in ODI cricket to date. Our neighbors can say King Babar, and I am ready to agree that he is a mighty player, but if we judge our players when they get out in a knockout game or against Australia or Pakistan, we will have to judge Babar similarly.”
The reputed commentator wants the Men in Blue to make the most of the pressure on the Pakistan skipper. He said:
“He doesn’t score runs against India. He hits everyone but gets out against India. So just continue that. There will be pressure on Babar as well. They don’t sleep peacefully if they lose to India.”
The rain did not give Babar Azam and other Pakistani batsmen a chance to face the Indian attack in the group game between the two sides. The Men in Green’s most efficient batsman has scored 158 runs at an average of 31.60 in his last five ODI innings against India, with 48 being his best effort.
