Zaman reveals reason behind success in big matches

Opener scores match-winning 91 in T20I Tri-Series final triumph against Australia on Sunday

KARACHI: Left-handed opening batsman Fakhar Zaman, who scored a match-winning 91 in the T20I Tri-Series final against Australia on Sunday, has revealed the reason behind his success in big matches.

This was not the first time that Zaman has contributed significantly in a final, having scored a breathtaking century against arch-rivals India in their famous title clash at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Champions Trophy last year.

The 28-year-old, while talking to Cricbuzz, explained why he is successful in big matches. “Honestly speaking, I don’t think about finals as a different game and I have scored a lot of runs in domestic competition finals as well,” said Zaman. “In big matches, I just try to take a little more time and maybe that is the reason behind my success.”

He added: “Since we lost two wickets today, I had no other option other than to take my time and try to consolidate as we could not afford to lose any more wickets.”

Talking about the importance of the victory for the Men in Green in the competition, Zaman believes the win will play a major role in further boosting the confidence of a team that has been blowing away all comers in recent series.

“The victory is really important as we came in the tournament as the number one team in T20Is,” he said. “We did not perform to our full capacity in the first match, but then we got together, trained hard with the coaching staff and the results are there for everyone to see. We were looking for the win and the guys were working really hard in the nets and thanks to God, we achieved this victory. Credit to Australia as well since they played really good cricket; but today was just our day.”