Pakistan interim coach Aaqib Javed came to Babar Azam’s rescue after the former captain, who is primarily batted at No 3 in ODIs, collected 62 runs at an average of 20.66 in the recently-concluded ODI triangular series against New Zealand and South Africa ahead of the Champions Trophy.

There has been considerable discussion regarding the performance of Pakistan's star batsman Babar Azam as the Champions Trophy approaches, particularly following a lackluster showing in the recent Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa held in Pakistan.

In Pakistan's pursuit of 331, Fakhar waged a lone war while the rest of his compatriots fell one after another. He blazed his way to 84 from a mere 69 deliveries, laced with seven fours and four towering sixes at a strike rate of 121.74.