ISLAMABAD – Pakistan’s batsman Fakhar Zaman said that he feels proud tobreak the batting record of a legend like Saeed Anwar.
“I feel very good. Feel proud that I have surpassed the record of a legendlike Saeed Anwar,” the left-handed batsman said in a video interviewreleased by the Pakistan Cricket Board.
Fakhar became the first Pakistan player to hit a double century in one-dayinternationals as Pakistan cruised to a massive 244-run win over Zimbabwein the fourth ODI at Bulawayo on Friday.
The 28-year old smashed 210 not out from 156 deliveries, moving past theprevious record for a Pakistan batsman set by Saeed Anwar with his 194 morethan 21 years ago.
Ever the modest one, Fakhar said that he never put much thought into makingand breaking records when he started playing cricket as his aim was just toget a chance of playing first class cricket.
“When I started, I only wanted to play a FC match, and when I did it, Istarted thinking of playing an international game to get the status of aninternational player, never thought of playing this much or creating aworld record,” he said.
Saeed Anwar´s wasn´t the only record to tumble. Pakistan´s openers blazedto a world record 304-run stand, with Imam-ul-Haq hitting 113, to set uptheir innings, the triple hundred partnership becoming Pakistan´s biggestfor any wicket in ODIs.
It also broke the previous record for an opening stand in allinternationals, set by Sanath Jayasuriya and Upul Tharanga for Sri Lankaagainst England at Headingley in 2006.
Talking about his innings, the batsman said that he didn’t plan for a 200.
“200 was not in my mind actually. I planned for 100, and then aftercompleting the century, I kept on moving up the scoreboard without keepinganything in my mind.
“Instruction was to play as long as I can. I was trying to get a good startfor the team. Imam played well too with me,” he added with a promise ofgiving even better performance in future games.
Fakhar also spoke about all the people who helped him throughout his careerand supported him. He dedicated his performance to the people who stoodwith him during the times when he was struggling.
“I want to dedicate this to Sir Nazim, and my friends from Pakistan Navywith whom I shared room. My coaches at NCA. When I first played forPakistan A I was struggling but they helped me. I also want to thank AzamKhan, Zafar* bhai *of Karachi Cricket, who always helped me. I alsodedicate this to all the people who helped me in my struggling day,” hesaid.