Pakistan to experiment with new opening pair

With batter Saim Ayub is out of equation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, the Pakistan selection committee are likely to experiment with a new opening pair.

Saim’s absence due to ankle injury marks the return of inform Fakhar Zaman. Reports also hinting at the return of Imam ul Haq or Shan Masood in ODIs.

However, even if they were included in the side, Pakistan may experiment a new opening pair to accommodate Saud Shakeel in the side, as they would be playing on spin friendly tracks during the upcoming tri-series and the ICC Champions Trophy.

Sources say, Fakhar is likely to open the batting with Babar Azam. Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman have played together in the past, but this will be their first time opening together in an ODI match. Fakhar is known for his aggressive style, while Babar’s calm and controlled batting provides stability.

Babar has tons of experience as an opener both in domestic and international cricket. He has been batting as opener mostly in T20Is. He also played gem of innings against South Africa in the second Test after Saim’s injury.

The two last played together in an ODI during the 2023 World Cup against England. This time, they are expected to give Pakistan a strong start in the Champions Trophy.

The team management is keen on experimenting with the new pair in the upcoming tri series featuring, Pakistan. South Africa and New Zealand.

Other options are also on the table, with either Imam or Shan opening with Fakhar.

Babar Azam usually bats at No. 3 in ODIs, but he has been successful as an opener in T20 cricket. Moving him to the top of the order for the Champions Trophy is a strategy to get him more chances to bat and face more deliveries.

Moreover, Babar’s form has been under scrutiny in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy. While he has shown some good performances recently against Australia and South Africa, he hasn’t been able to find his best form yet.

With the added pressure of opening the innings, Babar faces an important challenge ahead.