Fakhar Zaman

Explosive left-handed opening batsman who became Pakistan's leading ODI run-scorer and is renowned for his boundary-hitting ability and aggressive approach at the top of the order.

Born in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on April 10, 1990, this left-handed opening batsman emerged from humble beginnings to become one of Pakistan's most dynamic white-ball cricketers. Fakhar Zaman initially pursued a career in the Pakistan Navy before transitioning to professional cricket, representing various domestic teams including Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Lahore Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League. Zaman made his international debut in 2017 and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of Pakistan's limited-overs cricket. His breakthrough came during the 2017 Champions Trophy, where his explosive batting performances helped Pakistan secure their maiden Champions Trophy title. His fearless approach at the top of the order, characterized by powerful drives and innovative stroke play, made him an instant fan favorite and a nightmare for opposing bowlers. The pinnacle of Zaman's career arrived in 2018 when he etched his name in cricket history by becoming the first Pakistani batsman to score a double century in One Day International cricket. His unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe showcased his ability to convert starts into massive scores, a rare quality among modern openers. Beyond this historic achievement, he consistently delivered match-winning performances across formats, establishing himself as one of the most destructive opening batsmen in contemporary cricket. Zaman's significance extends beyond individual records to his transformational impact on Pakistan's batting philosophy. His aggressive approach helped modernize Pakistan's white-ball strategy, moving away from traditionally cautious starts to embracing high-risk, high-reward cricket from the first ball. His success inspired a generation of Pakistani batsmen to adopt more attacking methods in limited-overs cricket. Despite facing periods of inconsistency, his ability to single-handedly change the complexion of matches has made him an indispensable asset to Pakistan cricket, representing the new era of fearless batting that defines modern limited-overs cricket.

Aggressive left-handed opening batsman known for powerful strokeplay and ability to dominate bowling attacks

First Pakistani batsman to score a century in Champions Trophy final, key figure in Pakistan's ODI resurgence

• ICC Champions Trophy 2017