Champions Trophy: Imad Wasim reveals how Mickey Arthur went gaga over Fakhar Zaman

Karachi: The buzz around Fakhar Zaman continues to get louder. The Pakistani left-hander’s claim to fame was his swashbuckling hundred against arch-rivals India in the ICC Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London on June 18.

While the 4-ODI old left-hander has a long way ahead of him, the start to his international has been breathtaking and hence, it is not surprising that a seasoned coach like Mickey Arthur rates him highly.

Imad Wasim, left-arm spinner and currently the number one bowler in ICC T20 rankings, talked about how the Pakistani coach believes that Fakhar will become a legend.

While Fakhar scored a match-winning hundred against Virat Kohli and Co in the final, prior to that, he scored two half-centuries in a row – against Sri Lanka in Pakistan’s final group stage game and against England in Cardiff in the semifinals – to help Pakistan seal their place in the summit clash.

As Pakistan were chasing 212 runs against Eoin Morgan and Co at the Sophia Gardens, despite being hit on the helmet, Fakhar went for his shots, targeting the shorter boundaries.

“In the match against England at Wales where the boundaries are shorter and Fakhar Zaman was facing bowling which was very quick and bouncers were being bowled too, he kept on hitting the ball and Azhar Ali asked him what are you doing, he says that Azhar Bhai, I am trying to get a top-edge six,” Imad was quoted as saying by PakPassion.net.

Impressed with Fakhar’s approach, Arthur, who had previously coached South Africa and Australia, was wholesome in his praise.

“Mickey Arthur was sitting outside and he says that this guy will be a legend,” added Imad.