Entering a new phase in Pakistan’s T20I cricket led by Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to bring about a shift in the role of former captain Babar Azam. The team has arrived in New Zealand for a five-match T20I series against the Blackcaps, commencing on January 12.
Babar, who has traditionally served as an opener in Pakistan’s T20I cricket, is likely to be moved down to the number three position during this highly anticipated series. The team management reportedly plans to experiment with a new opening pair, considering the emerging star Saim Ayub to partner with wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan at the top.
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Worth noting is that Ayub already opens for his Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchise, Peshawar Zalmi, and this change won’t require him to bat out of position with Rizwan. Ayub had previously opened alongside Babar during the PSL 2023, amassing 341 runs in 12 games.
The 21-year-old showcased an impressive strike rate of 165.53 during the competition, registering five half-centuries. If implemented during the series, this move will pose a new challenge for Babar, who would be batting away from his preferred opening position.
Babar Azam has accumulated 2711 runs as a T20I opener for Pakistan, boasting a striking record with a strike rate of 130.52 and an average just below 40 (39.86). His T20I opening innings include three centuries and 24 fifties, and notably, he holds the record for the highest run-scorer among Pakistani opening batters in the format.
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