Fakhar Zaman creates history in PSL with swashbuckling century

Fakhar Zaman created history in Pakistan Super League (PSL) on Thursday, as he became the first batter to outscore the opponents total in league’s history.

Fakhar made the best of the dropped catches at two (by Asif Ali off Hasan Ali) and 72 (by Hasan Ali off Shadab Khan) to score 115, his second HBL PSL century, as Lahore Qalandars posted 226 for five after electing to bat first.

Islamabad United had no chance against a world-class Lahore Qalandars bowling as the home side was spun out for 107 in 15.1 overs. Hence, United failed to go past the individual score of 115 in the same match.

The 119-run defeat was the heaviest in the history of HBL PSL, while it was Lahore Qalandars’ second successive victory over Islamabad United by a margin of over 100 runs. The champions had recorded a 110-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium.

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The star of Lahore Qalandars’ imposing 226 for five was Fakhar Zaman, who destroyed Islamabad United bowlers with his trademark and signature shots, to walk away with the player of the match award. 

"When I was dropped on 1 I knew it was my day. The wicket was good for the first 10 overs, then it played a bit slower. I told Billings also if we stay till the end, we can make a big score," said Fakhar in the post-match press conference.

"I decided to attack Shadab because he is the one who can get you out. Any opener who scores runs in T20 games helps the team to a big score, I'm lucky when I score Lahore win. Think so, even when we play domestically here, you get scores of 350-400 in 50-over cricket. Credit to the curator for making such kind of pitches," he added.

Fakhar’s 57-ball 115 included eight fours and eight sixes. His first 50 runs came off 24 balls with six fours and two sixes, while his second 50 runs came off 26 balls with two fours and four sixes. It required an excellent catch by Mohammad Wasim at deep backward square leg off Hasan Ali to terminate Fakhar’s onslaught that thoroughly entertained an excited and jubilant crowd.