When you think of aggressive opening batsmen in modern-day cricket, Fakhar Zaman instantly comes to mind. With his fearless stroke play, ability to take on world-class bowlers from ball one, and knack for changing the course of games single-handedly, Fakhar has cemented his place as one of Pakistan’s most impactful cricketers.
Born in Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, on April 10, 1990, Fakhar didn’t just walk into stardom overnight. From serving in the Pakistan Navy to scripting unforgettable moments on cricket’s biggest stages, his journey is nothing short of inspiring. Let’s take a closer look at his life, career, records, and the legacy he continues to build.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Fakhar grew up in Mardan, a region known for producing talented sportsmen. Initially, cricket wasn’t his first career choice — he actually served in the Pakistan Navy. His discipline and fitness from those years later became assets on the cricket field, shaping him into one of the fittest and sharpest athletes in the squad.
By his mid-20s, however, Fakhar’s passion for cricket was undeniable. He decided to switch paths, and soon his big-hitting left-handed batting style started turning heads at the domestic level.
Breakthrough on the International Stage
Fakhar made his international debut in 2017, but it was the ICC Champions Trophy Final against India that truly catapulted him into the limelight. His breathtaking century (114 runs) in that high-pressure clash didn’t just silence critics — it helped Pakistan lift the trophy in style. That innings is still remembered as one of the greatest moments in Pakistan cricket history.
From that point on, Fakhar was no longer just another player. He was Pakistan’s X-factor opener, capable of dismantling bowling attacks and setting the tone for matches.
Personal Information at a Glance
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Name: Fakhar Zaman
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Date of Birth: April 10, 1990 (Age: 35 in 2025)
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Birthplace: Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
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Height: 1.80 m
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Role: Opening Batsman
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Batting Style: Left-handed
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Bowling Style: Left-arm orthodox spin
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Country: Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman in Test Cricket
Although Fakhar is primarily known for his limited-overs heroics, he’s also had opportunities in Test cricket. While his appearances have been limited, he showed glimpses of his attacking style even in the red-ball format.
Test Career Stats:
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Matches: 3
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Innings: 6
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Runs: 192
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Highest Score: 94
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Average: 32.00
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50s: 2
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100s: 0
His near-century against Australia showed that he had the temperament for the longer format, but his natural game has always aligned better with ODIs and T20Is.
Fakhar Zaman in ODIs – His Strongest Format
When it comes to One Day Internationals (ODIs), Fakhar has been nothing short of sensational. Known for his blazing starts, ability to score big hundreds, and fearlessness at the crease, he has often been the difference-maker for Pakistan.
The biggest milestone of his career came in 2018 against Zimbabwe, when he smashed 210 not out — making him the first Pakistani batsman ever to score a double century in ODIs. That record-breaking knock also saw him form part of a double-century partnership.
ODI Career Stats:
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Matches: 86
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Innings: 85
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Runs: 3,651
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Highest Score: 210*
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Average: 46.22
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Strike Rate: 93.86
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50s: 17
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100s: 11
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200s: 1
His ability to maintain an average above 40 while striking close to 100 shows how well he balances aggression with consistency.
Fakhar Zaman in T20 Internationals
In T20 cricket, Fakhar plays the role of a momentum-shifter. While he hasn’t been as consistent as in ODIs, he has produced several match-winning knocks against top opposition.
T20I Career Stats:
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Matches: 93
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Innings: 85
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Runs: 1,849
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Highest Score: 91
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Average: 22.55
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Strike Rate: 132.64
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50s: 11
Even though his average is modest, his strike rate and attacking mindset make him a crucial weapon in Pakistan’s top order.
Bowling – A Handy Option
While Fakhar is celebrated for his batting, he also bowls left-arm orthodox spin occasionally. Though his bowling stats aren’t extraordinary, his ability to chip in with a few overs adds depth to the squad.
ODI Bowling Stats:
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Matches: 86
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Innings: 7
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Wickets: 1
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Best Bowling: 1/19
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Economy Rate: 4.93
In T20Is, he bowled only an over across his career, conceding 12 runs. While not a front-line bowler, he provides Pakistan with a backup option when needed.
Fielding – A Vital Contribution
Another underrated aspect of Fakhar’s game is his fielding. Thanks to his naval background, he is exceptionally fit and sharp in the field. His speed, agility, and safe hands often save Pakistan crucial runs in tight games.
Major Career Highlights
Here are Fakhar’s most iconic moments:
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2017: Century against India in the Champions Trophy final (match-winning performance).
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2018: Became the first Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs (210* vs Zimbabwe).
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Consistent run-scorer against top teams like South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia.
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Known for multiple match-winning knocks that turned games in Pakistan’s favor.
Career Timeline
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ODI Debut: vs South Africa, June 7, 2017 at Edgbaston
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Test Debut: vs Australia, October 16, 2018 at Sheikh Zayed Stadium
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T20I Debut: vs West Indies, March 30, 2017 at Queen’s Park Oval
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Latest ODI: vs New Zealand, February 19, 2025 at National Stadium
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Latest T20I: vs Bangladesh, May 28, 2025 at Gaddafi Stadium
Also Read : Umesh Yadav Profile – Age, Career Info & Stats
Fakhar Zaman’s Legacy and Impact
Fakhar Zaman has not only been an explosive opener but also a symbol of Pakistan’s fearless cricketing approach in recent years. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in high-profile matches, makes him a crowd favorite.
From being a navy cadet to becoming one of the most destructive openers in world cricket, Fakhar’s journey is a testament to hard work, self-belief, and resilience.
Even at 35, he remains a crucial part of Pakistan’s limited-overs setup, showing no signs of slowing down. For young cricketers, his career serves as proof that with discipline and determination, dreams can indeed turn into reality.
Final Thoughts
Fakhar Zaman’s story isn’t just about runs and records—it’s about rising from humble beginnings to dominate world cricket. With iconic performances, record-breaking innings, and a fearless batting style, he has carved a permanent spot in Pakistan’s cricket history.
Whether he’s smashing sixes, saving runs in the field, or chipping in with the ball, Fakhar embodies the spirit of a modern cricketer: dynamic, versatile, and fearless.
For Pakistan fans, one thing is certain — whenever Fakhar walks out to bat, fireworks are never too far away.
