Calcutta/Bulawayo: Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman became Pakistan’s first double-centurion in one-day Internationals, smashing an unbeaten 210 off 156 deliveries against Zimbabwe here on Friday.
Up against a weak Zimbabwe attack, Fakhar and his opening partner Imam-ul Haq (113) adopted a ruthless approach to record the highest-ever and first 300-run opening stand in ODIs. They put on 304, before Imam departed at the end of the 42nd over, as Pakistan finished at 399 for one — their highest ODI total.
In reply, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 155 in 42.4 overs as Pakistan won the game by a mammoth 244-run margin, leading 4-0 in the five-match series.
The 28-year-old Fakhar pushed on after registering his third ODI century to surpass Saeed Anwar’s record of 194 against India in Chennai in May 1997. He smashed 24 boundaries and five sixes in a blistering innings and went on to become the sixth international batsman to score a double-century in the 50-overs format.
“It was my day. (Coach) Mickey Arthur told me that if we won the toss, we would bat first and he wanted me to score a 200. He was telling me two or three years ago as well. Credit to Imam too as he supported me whenever I did not feel comfortable,” Fakhar said.
TOP FIVE OPENING PARTNERSHIPS
- 304 — F. Zaman & I. Haq (Pak), vs Zim in Bulawayo (July 20, 2018)
- 286 — S. Jayasuriya & U. Tharanga (SL), vs Eng in Leeds (July 1, 2006)
- 284 — T. Head & D. Warner (Aus) vs Pak in Adelaide (Jan 26, 2017)
- 282* — H. Amla & Q. de Kock (SA) vs Bangla in Kimberley (Oct 15, 2017)
- 282 — T. Dilshan & U. Tharanga (SL) vs Zim in Pallekele (March 10, 2011)
