In a historic moment during the second T20I match against Bangladesh on Tuesday, Pakistan’s explosive top-order batter Fakhar Zaman etched his name in the record books by becoming the Pakistani player with the most catches in T20 Internationals (T20Is).
The 35-year-old achieved this milestone with a sharp and athletic effort in the outfield, catching Tanzim Hasan Sakib off Salman Mirza’s bowling. Fakhar had to sprint backwards to complete the catch, showcasing his agility and commitment in the field.
Latest Rankings: Pakistan’s Top T20I Catch-Takers
With this catch, Fakhar Zaman overtook Babar Azam, who previously held the record for most T20I catches by a Pakistani player. Here’s a breakdown of the top fielders in Pakistan’s T20I history:
| Player | Matches | Catches |
|---|---|---|
| Fakhar Zaman | 95 | 53 |
| Babar Azam | 128 | 52 |
| Shoaib Malik | 123 | 50 |
| Shadab Khan | 112 | 40 |
What makes Fakhar’s achievement even more remarkable is that he reached the top with 33 fewer matches than Babar Azam, highlighting his efficiency and consistency as a fielder.
A Valuable Asset Beyond Batting
Known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, Fakhar Zaman has now proven his worth as a reliable and impactful fielder as well. In a format where fielding often changes the course of the game, his sharp reflexes and commitment provide Pakistan with a significant advantage.
Fielding has become an essential aspect of modern T20 cricket, and Fakhar’s achievement shines a spotlight on the importance of fitness and field awareness in today’s fast-paced matches.
Fielding Legends in the Making
Although Fakhar now tops the chart, seasoned all-rounder Shoaib Malik isn’t far behind with 50 catches to his name, even though he hasn’t been a consistent part of the national squad in recent times. Shadab Khan, another key figure in Pakistan’s white-ball setup, also continues to contribute significantly in the field with 40 catches to his name.
Conclusion
Fakhar Zaman’s record-breaking performance reflects not only his personal commitment but also Pakistan’s improving fielding standards. As the Men in Green continue to prepare for future international assignments and global tournaments, such achievements boost both morale and momentum.
With the T20 World Cup around the corner, Fakhar’s sharp fielding could prove as decisive as his explosive stroke play.
