Fakhar excited to play against ‘full-strength England’ ahead of T20 World Cup

BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan’s left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman expressed his excitement to compete against a full-strength England team ahead of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, scheduled to commence on June 1.

Fakhar addressed the press conference here ahead of Pakistan’s second T20I of the four-match series against England and was asked to share his views on the returning pacer Jofra Archer.

In response, the left-handed batter welcomed Archer’s return to the international circuit but shared that he is more excited to compete against a full-strength side to prepare for the World Cup.

“We played many times against Jofra. He’s a very good bowler. We are more excited that we are playing a full-strength team of England,” stated Fakhar.

“So, that’s a very good thing for us. Like, if a player like Jofra is in a team, of course, it will help England but it will [also] help us to play against a world-class bowler,” he added.

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For the unversed, the series opener between Pakistan and England was washed out due to persistent rain in Leeds, denying the previous edition’s finalists a chance to finalise their team combinations ahead of the mega event.

However, Fakhar Zaman managed to find a positive note from the abandoned game, stating that the series will now have a result.

“Playing against England, one of the best teams in the world, so, this series is very important. Of course, the first game washed out but in four games you think it could be 2-2 but now we will have a result so that’s good,” stated Fakhar.

Fakhar also opened up on his batting spot in the ongoing series against England and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024.

“I have been playing at number four like since two years so now I am very used to it and I really enjoy my batting at number four, especially in T20Is and yes I will play at number four in the World Cup as well,” said Fakhar.

READ: Pakistan squad holds practice session for second England T20I