Pakistan’s team management has finalized its opening pair for the upcoming Tri-Series and ICC Champions Trophy. Fakhar Zaman will be joined by Pakistan’s most experienced and reliable batter, Babar Azam, at the top of the order. The team management has assigned Babar a crucial role similar to that of legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.
Babar Azam Accepts the Challenge
Babar Azam has agreed to take on this responsibility after multiple discussions with selectors, coaches, and team management. The selectors have convinced him to open the innings in both Test and ODI formats, emphasizing that he could replicate Tendulkar’s role in the Indian team during the 1990s. Tendulkar, who debuted in Test cricket in 1989, transitioned into an ODI opener in the mid-90s and played a pivotal role in India’s successes.
Selection Strategy and Saim Ayub’s Injury
Pakistan’s 15-member squad, announced recently, includes only one regular opener, Fakhar Zaman. Chief selector Asad Shafiq initially stated that the second opener would be decided before the match. However, following Saim Ayub’s injury in the Cape Town Test, the management had to rethink their strategy. The injury, which is expected to sideline Saim for two to three months, prompted key discussions among Mohammad Rizwan, batting coach Shahid Aslam, and selectors, leading to Babar’s new role.
Babar’s Role as an Anchor
The team’s management has advised Babar Azam to play long innings and aim to bat throughout the 50 overs in ODIs. This move is expected to provide stability to the batting order, much like Tendulkar’s approach in the 90s. The 30-year-old Babar has an impressive record in ODIs, scoring 5,957 runs in 123 matches at an average of 56, including 19 centuries and 23 half-centuries.
Babar’s Previous Experience as an Opener
Although Babar Azam is a regular opener in T20 cricket, he has primarily batted at No. 3 or No. 4 in ODIs. His last stint as an opener in ODIs was in 2015 against England. However, with this new role, the management hopes he can bring more consistency and leadership at the top of the order in the upcoming tournaments.
With Babar taking on this responsibility, Pakistan’s batting strategy for the Tri-Series and Champions Trophy seems to be shaping up with a well-defined approach.
