James Buttler thinks Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman could have benefitted from unwanted rest to star in the first Tri-Nation ODI on Saturday.
A lot of people suggest that bilateral series are a bit mundane and ‘why can’t we have tri-series to add a bit more interest’. Well, here we go.
Pakistan play New Zealand in Lahore with South Africa the other nation using this mini tournament as a warm-up for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. It’s also a chance to test some upgraded grounds out ahead of the main event.
In terms of personnel, Fakhar Zaman is the man to watch after a three-month absence for criticism of the Pakistan Cricket Board on social media. He has good memories of facing New Zealand. When the Kiwis were last in Pakistan for ODIs back in 2023 he cracked four centuries and averaged 92.29 in the nine innings he played.
Pakistan are favourites at 8/13 to win this match and they have a 12 win, 4 defeat record in home ODIs since the beginning of 2022.
So, taking Pakistan to win with Fakhar Zaman to top score gives a pleasant little double of 5.8/1 with Betfair.
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