A New Fielding Milestone for Pakistan’s Big-Hitter
In a quiet but historic moment during the ongoing T20I series against Bangladesh, Fakhar Zaman etched his name into Pakistan cricket history — and this time, not with the bat. The 34-year-old outfielder has officially surpassed Babar Azam to become the most successful Pakistani fielder (non-wicketkeeper) in T20I history in terms of catches taken.
That’s right — Fakhar now holds the record for most catches in T20 Internationals by a Pakistani. He achieved the feat during the second T20I at Mirpur, grabbing a sharp catch that lifted him above Babar Azam’s tally.
Not Just a Power-Hitter — Fakhar the Fielder
Most fans know Fakhar Zaman for his fearless strokeplay and aggressive top-order hitting. He’s the guy who can take down any bowling attack on his day — we’ve seen it in the Champions Trophy, PSL, and countless international matches.
But what often flies under the radar is his work in the field. Whether stationed at deep midwicket, long-on, or inside the circle, Fakhar has been one of the more reliable hands in Pakistan’s T20 setup for years.
With this recent catch, he not only helped Pakistan grab a crucial breakthrough but also moved past Babar Azam’s long-standing record — a small but satisfying reward for years of sharp fielding.
The Moment It Happened
The record-breaking moment came during Bangladesh’s innings in the second T20I of the series. Fakhar was fielding in the deep when he latched onto a high-pressure catch — clean, composed, and exactly the kind of effort Pakistan needed.
What made it sweeter? It wasn’t flashy or dramatic. It was typical Fakhar — focused and effective.
The commentators briefly mentioned the milestone, but fans online picked up on it quickly. Social media started buzzing with praise, especially from those who’ve watched Fakhar’s evolution as a complete cricketer.
Catching Stats That Tell the Story
Here’s a quick comparison to put the achievement in perspective:
- Fakhar Zaman – 27 catches (and counting) in T20Is
- Babar Azam – 26 catches in T20Is
- Mohammad Hafeez – 23 catches
- Shoaib Malik – 21 catches
It’s important to note: these are catches by fielders only — wicketkeepers like Rizwan or Sarfaraz aren’t part of this count.
And the numbers don’t lie. Fakhar’s consistently been a strong presence in the field, whether he’s diving forward in the circle or settling under a high ball near the boundary.
Recognition Long Overdue
Let’s be honest — Pakistan fans tend to celebrate sixes, centuries, and fast bowling spells. Fielding often gets overlooked unless there’s a stunning dive or a direct hit. But Fakhar’s achievement reminds us that fielding wins matches too — and that consistency counts just as much as flair.
Breaking a record held by Babar Azam, Pakistan’s most prominent modern-day cricketer, is no small thing. It proves that Fakhar has contributed in more ways than one — especially in the T20 format, where every run saved (or catch held) can flip a match.
What’s Next for Fakhar?
While Fakhar’s batting form has seen its ups and downs recently, he’s still very much in the mix — especially in the shorter formats. His recent performances with the bat against Bangladesh haven’t gone unnoticed either.
More importantly, his fielding remains top-tier. With Pakistan looking to build a more agile and disciplined T20 side ahead of future ICC events, players like Fakhar — who offer value beyond just batting — are going to be key.
If he continues in this form, there’s every chance he could stretch this catching record even further. And honestly? He deserves the recognition.
Final Thoughts
Fakhar Zaman’s latest milestone is a reminder that there’s more to cricket than just flashy stats. Behind every great win, there are small moments — a well-judged catch, a quiet contribution — that make all the difference.
By surpassing Babar Azam’s fielding record, Fakhar has proven once again that he’s more than just a one-dimensional player. He’s a team man, a fighter, and now — the most dependable pair of hands Pakistan has ever had in T20Is.
And the best part? He’s still going.
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