Fakhar dismisses Pakistan's short-ball woes

Senior batsman says positive environment boosts players' confidence

KARACHI: Pakistan's senior batsman Fakhar Zaman has dismissed the impression that the national team's batsmen are vulnerable to short-pitched bowling, insisting that occasional dismissals to short-pitched deliveries and bouncers should not be exaggerated into a weakness. 
“I do not agree that we have problems against short-pitched bowling. During the South Africa tour, their top bowlers did not trouble us with bouncers and short-pitched deliveries. Sometimes you get out to a short ball, but I do not think we have a particular weakness against it,” he told Straight Drive with Salman Butt.
“We tend to exaggerate the issue whenever someone gets out to a bouncer or short delivery. If three England batsmen got out to short balls in their last match against us, it does not mean they are weak against short-pitched bowling.”
He also backed wicket-keeper-batter Saad Baig to enjoy a long international career and stressed the importance of maintaining sporting pitches in domestic cricket.
Fakhar, who struck a match-winning 127 in Pakistan's three-wicket victory over Sri Lanka in Saturday's final at Gaddafi Stadium, said the team's environment and management's backing were crucial to bringing the best out of players.
“The way this management trusts its players is encouraging. If it continues to back them, it will help players gain confidence,” he said.
“It is actually the environment that affects players the most.”
The left-hander said the youngsters had shown considerable fighting spirit during the series and their performances had created healthy competition within the team.
“When you are a senior player and youngsters are coming through, you feel a greater responsibility and have to put in more effort. It also creates healthy competition,” he said.
“There is a fighting spirit among the youngsters, which is a positive sign for Pakistan cricket. They have played an important role in our series victory.”
 “When you are not scoring runs, you become confused about which shots to play. I told Saad at breakfast today that he was in good form and should make the most of it. He has tremendous talent, and I believe he can serve Pakistan cricket for a long time,” Fakhar said.
Reflecting on his own innings, Fakhar said he was aware of the pressure associated with batting in a final and preferred to give himself time at the crease.
“When I have scored runs in finals, I have always given myself time. A final has its own pressure. We are still learning, and when it is your day, things go well. I have scored runs in finals before as well,” he said.
Fakhar also revealed that he feared he might not be able to return to the field after twisting his knee during the match.
“My knee twisted, and at that moment I thought I would not be able to return to the field. I also told Shaheen that I would not be able to come back. Babar asked me about it too,” he said.
“However, when the physiotherapist examined me, he said it was just irritation and not a major injury. Once I started running, my body warmed up and I did not feel much discomfort.”
Asked about the quality of pitches in the tri-series and their suitability as preparation for the 2027 ODI World Cup, Fakhar welcomed the surfaces provided during the tournament.
“I think pitches like the ones prepared for this series should be provided. They offered something for everyone, including spinners, fast bowlers and batsmen. Similar pitches should also be prepared for domestic cricket,” he said.