Fakhar Zaman opens up on MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli's reaction post Champions Trophy ton

Karachi: Pakistan opening batsman Fakhar Zaman had a successful ICC Champions Trophy, after he played a crucial part in the country’s title triumph in England earlier this month. The left-handed batsman scored 252 runs from four matches, which includes two half centuries and a 114 in the final against India.

Fakhar Zaman has admitted that he was shocked to see Virat Kohli applaud his century, but also said that he was disappointed with Mahendra Singh Dhoni as the Indian wicket-keeper did not react to his century.

He also admitted that fielders of the Indian and English teams tried to sledge him, but avoided confrontation, due to language barrier issues.

“When I was batting well, Kohli and others were saying things to me so when I got to hundred I thought they would ignore it but when I looked at Kohli, I saw that he was looking down but graciously clapping for me.

I was a little disappointed by MS Dhoni as he did not show much reaction after my hundred,” PakPassion.net reported Fakhar Zaman as saying.

“When we played against England, almost 80% of the fans were our supporters. Azhar Ali kept on telling me to play other shots but I kept on telling him that if I middle it will be a four on mid-wicket and a six if I top edge it.

In the England game, I was talking to the umpire in English but also knew that England players were trying to sledge me” added the 27-year-old.

Fakhar revealed in the end that it was the inability to speak in English that avoided a confrontation with England’s Liam Plunkett. This move was later lauded by the umpires.

“At that time, Plunkett came by me and said something to me, I just shook my head and said ‘no English’ as in I can’t understand it and he went away. After Plunkett had gone, the umpire smiled at me and shook my hand and said well done,” concluded Zaman.

Fakhar, who played a match-winning knock against Kohli and Co in the final of ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval, had earlier spoken about his lucky escape off Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling when he was batting on 3 in the summit clash.

“When I was caught behind, my heart sank. I was stunned and slowly started making my way back to the dressing room with all my hopes and dreams crushed. I kept thinking how could I lose my wicket here, I was supposed to score big, not get out on three.

“When the umpires stopped me, it was like a new hope. It felt like a new life. I thought to myself if this is a no ball then today is surely my day,” Fakhar Zaman had commented after the match.

Fakhar had edged one to Dhoni but to his good fortune the Indian pacer had overstepped.