Thu Sep 04 16:30:00 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Fakhar Zaman Joins Elite Club with 2,000 T20I Runs, Pakistan Struggles Against Afghanistan**
Sharjah, UAE – Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman etched his name in the record books today, becoming only the fifth Pakistani batter to reach the milestone of 2,000 runs in T20 International cricket. He achieved the feat during Pakistan’s Tri-Series encounter against Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, crossing the mark with his 25th run of the innings.
Zaman, making his 100th T20I appearance for Pakistan, now boasts exactly 2,000 runs in 92 innings, averaging 22.47 with a strike rate of 131.49. His career highlights include 11 half-centuries, with a personal best of 91. He joins an exclusive list of Pakistani batsmen including Babar Azam (4,223 runs), Mohammad Rizwan (3,414 runs), Mohammad Hafeez (2,514 runs), and Shoaib Malik (2,423 runs).
However, Zaman’s celebration was short-lived. Chasing a target of 170 against a potent Afghan spin attack, Pakistan faltered. After losing openers Saim Ayub and Sahibzada Farhan early, Zaman offered a glimmer of hope before being dismissed by Mohammad Nabi in the eighth over, departing for 25 off 18 balls. His dismissal left Pakistan struggling at 62/3. The team ultimately faced a difficult challenge in overcoming the strong Afghan side.
While Zaman reached a personal milestone, the focus remains on Pakistan’s overall performance in the Tri-Series, with the team needing to regroup and strategize for upcoming matches.
First Piper 