Aakash Chopra flags concerns over Fakhar Zaman ahead of Asia Cup

Pakistan opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman, struggled to assert his dominance in the recent three-match One Day International (ODI) series against Afghanistan. The 33-year-old's performance raises significant concerns ahead of Asia Cup as he could only manage to score 59 runs across three matches.

Former Indian cricketer Aakash Chopra, while talking on his YouTube channel, raised concerns and identified Fakhar as a potential weak link within the Pakistan squad.

"Fakhar Zaman – more than 3000 runs at an average of 48 in 72 matches. Three of his 10 centuries have come in Asia. His average actually falls in Asia. It becomes 38.9 and that actually tells you that maybe it's spin. He throws his wicket against spin quite a few times. So Fakhar Zaman could be that slight weak link," Chopra said.

Chopra also highlighted the promising form of left-handed batter Imam-ul-Haq and the consistent brilliance of skipper Babar Azam in the 50-over format.

"Imam-ul-Haq – 61 matches, 2871 runs at an average of 52. His average jumps to 56 in Asia. Three of his nine centuries have come in Asia. Imam-ul-Haq is a good player. Babar Azam comes after them. He is brilliant in this format. More than 5000 runs in 102 matches. His average becomes nearly 64 in Asia and is 58.4 otherwise," he further added.

Pakistan defeated Afghanistan by 59 runs and re-surged to the top of the ICC ODI rankings in Colombo on Saturday. The team will now take part in the 2023 Asia Cup, and their first match in that six-team tournament comes against Nepal in Multan on August 30.