ISLAMABAD, Nov 18 (APP): Zimbabwe pacer Brad Evans believes Fakhar Zaman’s innings made the difference in Zimbabwe’s close loss to Pakistan in the Tri-Nation Series opener.
Reflecting on Zimbabwe’s batting performance after the end of the game, at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Evans said the team initially assessed 175 as a par score on the surface.
“If we had managed to get to 160 or 165, I think that could have been enough tonight because I thought we bowled well,” he said. “That being said, we were close. We took it to the last over. That often seems to be the case when Pakistan and Zimbabwe play.”
Evans praised Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman for his match-defining contribution. “I think Fakhar batted really well and became the backbone of their innings. Once he got out, the game opened up again for us,” he said.
“Zaman rotated the strike, ran hard, and punished the bad balls for fours and sixes. He kept their chase alive by maintaining the run rate, and the players around him chipped in with important cameos. Credit goes to Fakhar for the innings he played in the middle.”
Speaking about conditions, Evans said the team had prepared for significant dew but were surprised to find it manageable. “At the ground we trained at, Islamabad Cricket Club, there was a lot of dew, and we were shocked. But when we trained here last night, we were pleasantly surprised that there wasn’t as much. There was some dew during the match, but it didn’t have a major impact.”
Evans added that Zimbabwe’s young squad is steadily growing in confidence. “Taking big teams to the end of games is an achievement. Many of our players are young or haven’t played international cricket consistently. I think once we win a couple of matches and get a taste of victory, things will change. Winning is a habit, and once we get a few big wins, it will ease the pressure and help us finish games.”
Meanwhile, Pakistan wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan said following the coaches’ instructions to spend time at the crease helped him finish the match successfully, adding that he is determined to deliver consistent performances and play a key role in the team’s victories.
He said he has been placing special emphasis on his fitness. As part of this focus, he also participated in domestic cricket.
Usman said that alongside batting, he is rigorously working on his wicketkeeping to further improve his overall game. Usman said his experience of playing several Pakistan Super League matches in Rawalpindi proved valuable and helped refine his performance.
Reflecting on his evolving batting approach, he admitted that in the past he often got out early while trying to score too quickly. “Now I have changed my strategy and prefer spending more time at the crease, and the results have been positive,” he said.
He said representing Pakistan is every cricketer’s dream and he has no regrets about giving up cricket in the UAE. “Playing for Pakistan is an honour for me. If I get the opportunity in the World Cup, I will try my best to contribute to the team’s success by playing my natural game,” he said.