Mike Hesson: “He’s adapting his game to different conditions, you can’t always score at a strike rate of 160, but he has the ability to adjust when required. His contributions with the bat and in the field have been pleasing”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson said it is impossible for Fakhar Zaman to always score at a strike-rate of 160.
Zaman’s reputation as a big-hitter means there are constant expectations for him to play aggressively when he comes to the crease.
However, Hesson noted that the 35-year-old is currently “adapting his game to different conditions” so that he can be more effective.
“He’s adapting his game to different conditions, you can’t always score at a strike rate of 160, but he has the ability to adjust when required. His contributions with the bat and in the field have been pleasing,” he was quoted as saying in a Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) press release.
Zaman recently played in Pakistan’s T20I tri-series against the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Afghanistan in Sharjah.
In five matches, he amassed 155 runs, which included a top score of 77 not out, at an average of 38.75 and a strike-rate of 138.39.
The Mardan native is now taking part in the 2025 Asia Cup, and has made 135 runs in six games, which includes a top score of 50, at an average of 27 and a strike-rate of 117.39.
Pakistan won their group stage matches against Oman and the UAE, but lost to India as well.
They also fell to their arch-rivals in the Super Four, but fought back to defeat Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, which helped them progress to the final.
Pakistan will take on India in the Asia Cup final on September 28 in Dubai.
Pakistan squad for UAE T20I tri-series and 2025 Asia Cup: Salman Ali Agha (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Haris (wicketkeeper), Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Salman Mirza, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem