PCB Considers Alterations to Babar, Rizwan’s Batting Order for New Zealand T20 Series
Team management and selectors have reached a consensus on granting Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan some rest, according to insider sources.
There are contemplations on having Saim Ayub as the opener, either partnering with Babar or Rizwan. If Babar takes the opening position, then Rizwan is likely to play one down. Conversely, if Rizwan opens the innings, Babar is anticipated to bat at number three.
In a strategic move to provide more opportunities to younger players in preparation for the T20 World Cup 2024, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is contemplating adjustments to the batting order for the New Zealand series, as revealed by sources to Geo News on Thursday.
There is a proposed lineup that includes Fakhar Zaman at number four, followed by Iftikhar Ahmed and Azam Khan, according to the sources. Rizwan will handle fielding duties, while Azam Khan will assume the wicketkeeping responsibilities.
The decision has also been made to rest the star duo for a couple of matches during the series, sources added.
The longstanding Babar-Rizwan opening pair has been instrumental in numerous victories for Pakistan, but concerns have arisen regarding whether to maintain the current order or provide opportunities to emerging talents. With an eye on the T20 World Cup scheduled for June next year, the PCB has introduced several new players into the squad under the leadership of new captain Shaheen Afridi.
The 17-member squad includes emerging talents such as Abbas Afridi, Saim Ayub, Haseebullah Khan, and Sahibzada Farhan, alongside established players like Fakhar Zaman, Babar, and Rizwan.
Teams are gearing up for the ICC tournament set to take place in West Indies and the United States. The scheduled matches for Pakistan’s 2024 tour to New Zealand are as follows:
- First match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 12 January, Auckland
- Second match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 14 January, Hamilton
- Third match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 17 January, Dunedin
- Fourth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 19 January, Christchurch
- Fifth match: New Zealand vs Pakistan, 21 January, Christchurch.
