Pakistan hard-hitting batter Fakhar Zaman has expressed his contentment with a change in his batting position for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, starting from January 12 in Auckland. 

The 33 year-old disclosed that he has been directed by the coach and team captain to play one down or two down, a departure from his usual role as an opener.

Speaking to media in Lahore, Zaman, acknowledged the healthy competition within the team for batting spots, emphasizing its necessity for team improvement.

“Competition is necessary for any team. It’s good that six players are available for one spot in the team. I have always opened for the team but as per situation, I have been instructed to play one down or two down, because as you know Babar and Rizwan have been performing as openers,” Fakhar said.

“The coach and captain has commanded me to play one down or two down and I am happy with that,” he added.

Pakistan squad: Shaheen Afridi (c), Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Haseebullah Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Aamer Jamal, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Zaman Khan

Pakistan tour of New Zealand:
January 12: New Zealand vs Pakistan – First T20I in Auckland
January 14: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Second T20I in Hamilton
January 17: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Third T20I in Dunedin
January 19: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Fourth T20I in Christchurch
January 21: New Zealand vs Pakistan – Fifth T20I in Christchurch