Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman have been key players for Pakistan cricket. They often perform well in big matches. In 2024, Babar was dropped from the Test team after poor form. This decision shocked many fans. Fakhar Zaman tweeted in support of Babar. The tweet caused controversy. The Pakistan Cricket Board dropped Fakhar from the team. He later apologized and was brought back. In 2025, both players opened together in the Champions Trophy. Their story is about more than just cricket. It shows friendship, loyalty, and teamwork. Babar plays with calm and control. Fakhar plays with power and aggression. Together, they bring balance to the team.
Their On-Field Relationship
Babar Azam made his international debut in 2015. Through exceptional performances over the years, he has become the backbone of the Pakistan cricket team. Babar Azam has scored nearly 15,000 runs for Pakistan in international cricket. On the other hand, Fakhar Zaman made his international debut during the Champions Trophy in 2017. His brilliant performance against India in the final of that tournament positioned him as one of the next superstars of Pakistan cricket. Fakhar Zaman also achieved the remarkable feat of scoring the first-ever ODI double-century for Pakistan.
Both players have accomplished significant feats on the field for Pakistan. In the Cricket World Cup 2023, they shared an unforgettable partnership. Pakistan won the match against New Zealand while chasing a daunting target of 402 runs, with Fakhar scoring an impressive 126* runs and Babar contributing 66* runs. Both players have also opened the batting in T20 and ODI formats. Their batting styles are distinctly different; Fakhar’s aggressive approach allows his team to accumulate runs quickly, while Babar focuses on technique and anchors the innings. Consequently, their partnership is crucial for the victories of the Pakistan cricket team.
Both players have expressed their enjoyment of sharing the crease during matches. Fakhar Zaman mentioned in an interview that he relishes playing alongside Babar Azam. Their on-field chemistry reflects their strong relationship off the field as well. During the T20 World Cup 2021, Babar led the team, which played cohesively as a unit. It was the first time in many years that Pakistan truly dominated in an ICC tournament. Unfortunately, Pakistan lost in the semi-finals, but Fakhar Zaman made a vital contribution with an unbeaten 55 runs in that match.
Performance Comparison (ODI & T20I)
| Career | Babar Azam | Fakhar Zaman |
| Matches | 259 | 179 |
| Average | 48.85 | 34.37 |
| Strike Rate | 109.86 | 113.74 |
| Centuries | 22 | 11 |
| Big Match Impact | 114 vs Australia in 202268* vs India in T20WC21. | 114 vs India in CT2017126* vs New Zealand in CWC23. |
Both players have been at the core of the Pakistan cricket team for the last eight years. Babar Azam has consistently scored runs in various conditions, while Fakhar Zaman primarily focuses on an aggressive approach, providing Pakistan with a fast start in white-ball cricket. Therefore, it would be a disservice to both players to compare them solely based on their playing styles in white-ball formats. Fakhar Zaman relies on his arm strength and possesses the ability to hit massive sixes.
Babar Azam, on the other hand, excels at finding gaps during the powerplay, securing crucial runs for his team. An additional responsibility for Babar is to anchor the innings. Over the past five to six years, his anchoring role has significantly stabilized the Pakistan cricket team across all formats of the game. When examining statistics and records, it is evident that Fakhar Zaman thrives when playing against New Zealand. He has achieved remarkable milestones in his international career against this particular opponent.
Fakhar Zaman has scored four out of his eleven centuries against New Zealand. In ODI cricket, he has amassed 1,077 runs against them, making New Zealand the only nation where he has scored more than 1,000 runs in ODIs. Additionally, Fakhar Zaman has a commendable record in South Africa, where he scored 193 runs and nearly chased down a massive target.
Looking at Babar Azam’s statistics, he has a particular affinity for playing against Sri Lanka, having scored six centuries against them. He has also achieved five centuries each against Australia and the West Indies. His solid technique and skills enable him to perform well against any formidable side. Beyond his centuries, Babar Azam has a respectable record in SENA countries (South Africa, England, New Zealand, and Australia). Notably, he holds the record for scoring centuries in three consecutive matches on two separate occasions. These unique records distinguish Babar from other players in ODI cricket.
Fantasy & Betting Impact
Babar Azam
Babar Azam has massive runs and records for Pakistan and franchise cricket. Therefore, whenever he is a member of any game, he is always the top pick in fantasy cricket. The records and achievements of Babar Azam are proof of why he is a top pick in fantasy. Despite being in a lean patch of his career, Babar Azam has been able to score decent runs in ODIs. Therefore, it is a safe bet to pick him in fantasy cricket.
| Parameter | Value |
| Runs Scored | 6,235 |
| Matches | 131 |
| Batting Average | 55.17 |
| Strike Rate | 87.95 |
| Highest Score (HS) | 158 |
Babar Azam is a reliable choice for fantasy cricket, especially in ODIs and subcontinent conditions. Although he has not scored a century in international cricket for over two years, his ODI average remains above 50. This consistency in scoring runs makes him a valuable asset for fantasy selectors.
When Babar plays in subcontinent conditions, he becomes even more dangerous. The familiar environment allows him to showcase his skills effectively. His ability to accumulate runs steadily can significantly benefit fantasy teams, particularly when conditions favor his batting style.
While Babar has a strong track record in ODIs, analyzing data can enhance fantasy selections. Understanding his performance trends and match conditions will provide an edge in making informed choices. Overall, Babar Azam is a solid pick for fantasy cricket, especially when playing in favorable conditions.
Fakhar Zaman
While Babar is a safe pick, selecting Fakhar Zaman in fantasy cricket can be a risk. Fakhar plays in an aggressive style, which increases the likelihood of him getting out easily. However, whenever he stays at the crease for a longer period of time, especially in ODIs and T20s, he becomes very dangerous. For Fakhar Zaman’s fans, it is important to pick him in fantasy whenever he plays against New Zealand.
| Career | Records |
| Runs Scored | 3,651 |
| Batting Average | 46.22 |
| Strike Rate | 93.86 |
| Innings Played | 85 |
| Not-Outs | 6 |
| Highest Score (HS) | 210* |
| Centuries – Half-Centuries | 11 – 17 |
Fakhar Zaman can earn valuable points in fantasy cricket, but it involves a lot of faith to select him. His aggressive style of play can make him score hundreds or get him out on a duck. Therefore, always be sure to study the stats and previous records before selecting Fakhar Zaman.
The Real Question: Who Does Pakistan Need More?
Pakistan has immense hopes resting on the shoulders of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam. Whenever both players are at the crease, there is a significantly higher chance for Pakistan to win the game. However, the differences in their styles and techniques are substantial. Nevertheless, the overall value of both players to the Pakistan cricket team is immense.
Babar Azam carries the responsibility of taking the game deep, playing throughout the innings. He is crucial in stabilizing the innings during run chases, helping to avoid collapses. In contrast, Fakhar Zaman is known for scoring quick runs in a short period. He can be a real threat whenever he faces 20 to 25 balls in ODIs.
In major tournaments, both players have delivered outstanding performances for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman’s contributions against New Zealand in the Cricket World Cup 2023 and against India in the Champions Trophy 2017 final highlight his ability to shift pressure onto the opposition. Simultaneously, Babar Azam has the skill to absorb pressure and adapt his play according to the conditions. His quality innings against India in the T20 World Cup 2021, where he was the highest run-scorer in the tournament, showcase his talent and skills.
Overall, the combination of Fakhar and Babar creates a lethal partnership, making it considerably easier for Pakistan to secure victories. A perfect example of this synergy is their partnership during the Cricket World Cup 2023 against New Zealand, where both players shared an impressive stand to chase down a target of 402 runs. These statistics and achievements demonstrate that both players are essential to the Pakistan cricket team in various formats.
Conclusion: Power vs Patience
Comparing Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman based on their batting styles and techniques is baseless. Babar is regarded as one of the most talented and skilled players in the game, while Fakhar Zaman is celebrated as one of the best hard hitters in the world. A recent tweet from Fakhar Zaman exemplifies the unity within the team, showcasing the incredible bond both players share while representing Pakistan. This camaraderie dispels any rumors regarding a rift in team unity, especially in light of the speculation that arose following Pakistan’s disappointing performance in the T20 World Cup 2024. The tweet clarified that the players maintain a strong bond and that there is no rivalry between them.