RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s experienced opening batter Fakhar Zaman has said that the ODI tri-series involving England and Sri Lanka will help the home side prepare for the ICC World Cup 2027.
Fakhar, who averages 45.42 in 92 ODIs and has scored 11 centuries for Pakistan in the format, will be a key player for the side in the World Cup 2027, which will be co-hosted by Zimbabwe, South Africa and Namibia.
Addressing the media, Fakhar emphasised team combination, saying that the pitches were being prepared with next year’s mega event in mind.
“We have a very strong combination, and the kind of pitches being prepared shows that preparations for the World Cup are in mind,” he told reporters.
The southpaw believed that playing first-class cricket had helped the players develop the right mindset and improve their physical fitness.
“The best thing is that all the players are coming off playing first-class cricket. When you play first-class cricket, one-day cricket does not feel as long compared to when you come from playing T20 cricket. First-class cricket benefits you both mentally and physically,” he explained.
Regarding the trophy drought, Fakhar admitted that the team was eager to win trophies at major events.
“When you perform well, people show you more love. Every player, senior or junior, tries to do better. When you don’t perform well, it doesn’t feel good.”
Fakhar expressed excitement over the upcoming assignment and remained confident of performing well in the tri-series.
“We know that we haven’t won a trophy for quite some time. We will try our best to win this one and given the preparations and keeping the World Cup in mind, we will try to perform better.”
The ODI tri-series opening match will be played between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on 18 October at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.