'He will perform in upcoming matches,' Fakhar Zaman defends Babar Azam

LAHORE: Left-handed batter Fakhar Zaman has come out in support of out-of-form former captain Babar Azam saying that the star batter will find his rhythm in the upcoming matches.

“It happens in cricket but the class and legacy of Babar is such that you can not say much about one match and you will see that he will perform in the upcoming matches,” said Fakhar at the post-match press conference.

His remarks come as the hosts suffered a humiliating defeat against the Black Caps after failing to chase the 331-run target in the match, the first of the trilateral series which also includes South Africa.

Babar, who was promoted to open the innings alongside returning Fakhar in the ongoing tri-nation ODI series and the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 to follow, could not turn the tide in his favour as he was dismissed for a scratchy 10 off 23 deliveries in the opening match against New Zealand.

Meanwhile, Fakhar, who top-scored for the green shirts in their crushing 78-run defeat in the tri-series opener against New Zealand, remained confident in the star batter’s abilities to find his lost touch with the bat.

"And again, when it's your day, even your edge would dodge the keeper and run away for the boundary but if it is not your day, then you must have seen, how well they took the catch of Tayyab [Tahir]," remarked the left-handed batter.

Fakhar also expressed his disappointment with the national team’s gruelling defeat in the tri-series campaign opener.

"I am disappointed with the loss, but I am not worried about not scoring a century," Fakhar said.

The opening batter also thanked the fans for a warm reception upon his return to the national team.

"I was out of the team for a while, and I am thankful for the love and support I received from everyone upon my return," he concluded.