Full Name: Fakhar Zaman Date of Birth: April 10, 1990 Birthplace: Katlang, Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Position: Top-order opener in ODIs and T20Is Fakhar Zaman’s rise to cricketing stardom is nothing short of cinematic. From serving in the Pakistan Navy to becoming the first Pakistani to score a double century in ODIs, Fakhar’s story is a celebration of resilience, courage, and explosive talent. Born in the town of Katlang, Fakhar's journey to professional cricket was not traditional. In fact, he joined the Navy as a sailor in 2007 and trained as a marine. However, his heart was always set on cricket. Recognizing his passion, the Navy encouraged his sporting talent and allowed him to pursue cricket full-time. His breakthrough came in 2012 when he began making waves in domestic circuits with his aggressive left-handed batting. Fakhar made his international debut in 2017 and quickly became a household name during the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. It was in the final against arch-rivals India that he etched his name into history. After being given a reprieve early in his innings, Fakhar capitalized on the opportunity and smashed a magnificent 114 off 106 balls, leading Pakistan to a historic and dominant victory. That innings not only won Pakistan the trophy but also made Fakhar an overnight legend. His style of batting is fearless — he attacks bowlers from the get-go and is known for his aggressive pulls, lofted drives, and relentless pressure on opposition attacks. He doesn’t play for the stats; he plays for the moment. His ability to take the game away within the powerplay has made him a constant threat in white-ball formats. In 2018, he made headlines again by scoring an unbeaten 210 against Zimbabwe, becoming the first Pakistani to hit a double century in ODIs. That same match also saw him and Imam-ul-Haq record Pakistan’s highest opening partnership (304). With such milestones, Fakhar became a cornerstone of Pakistan’s ODI and T20I top order. Though he has faced challenges with form and injuries in between, Fakhar has always made strong comebacks. His 2021 knock of 193 against South Africa — one of the finest chasing innings in modern cricket — came during a match where wickets kept falling around him. It was a lone warrior’s effort, and though Pakistan lost, Fakhar’s fight was admired globally. In addition to his batting, Fakhar has been a gun fielder — often stationed in the deep, pulling off diving stops and catches. His fitness, sharp reflexes, and never-say-die spirit are crucial elements of his overall cricketing persona. Off the field, Fakhar is soft-spoken, disciplined, and grateful for his journey. He regularly acknowledges the support of the Navy and his mentors. Despite achieving so much, he remains humble and committed to representing Pakistan with pride. From the shores of Karachi as a naval sailor to the biggest cricketing stages in the world, Fakhar Zaman’s story is an ode to perseverance and passion. He remains a vital asset in Pakistan’s white-ball setup and a constant source of inspiration for underdogs everywhere.