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Fakhar Zaman out for a golden duck - (Source: AFP)
On Tuesday, October 20, Pakistan locked horns with England in match 2 of the Tri-Series involving Sri Lanka. The Harry Brook-led side won the toss and opted to field first. The decision turned out to be gold because Fakhar Zaman returned to the pavilion on the very first ball of the match.
On the 1st ball, Fakhar looked to dominate Gus Atkinson, but a brilliant field replacement resulted in Joe Root taking a brilliant catch. The take was reviewed, but the third umpire was satisfied, and Fakhar departed for a golden duck.
Fakhar Becomes 13th Pakistan Batter To Be Out On 1st Ball Of the Match
With this embarrassing feat, Fakhar Zaman entered an unwanted list as he became the 13th Pakistani batter to get out on the 1st ball of the match in ODIs. The previous instance was Imam-ul-Haq, who fell to Saqib Mahmood against England in Cardiff in 2021.
Further, it was Fakhar Zaman’s 9th duck in ODI cricket, surpassing Aamer Sohail to be 5th on the list of most ducks for Pakistan openers in ODIs.
Most Ducks as an Opener for Pakistan in ODIs:
- 14 – Saeed Anwar, Salman Butt
- 13 – Mohammad Hafeez
- 12 – Shahid Afridi
- 10 – Imran Nazir, Ramiz Raja
- 9 – Fakhar Zaman*
- 8 – Aamer Sohail
Additionally, Gus Atkinson became the 7th England bowler to take a wicket on the first ball of an ODI match. The previous England bowler to achieve this feat was Saqib Mahmood in 2021.
Fakhar Zaman Struggles To Cement His Place
Fakhar Zaman was recalled for the ongoing Tri-series, which was a brilliant opportunity for him to cement his place in the team since the Men in Green have already begun their preparations for the ODI World Cup 2027.
However, Fakhar is yet to perform and repay the faith shown in him by the selectors. So far, Fakhar has scored just 16 runs. Time is running out for him because Pakistan only have two more matches left if they don’t make it to the final of the tri-series.
