“Pakistan’s Selection Dilemma: Who Will Open the Batting in T20 Opener Against New Zealand?”
Muhammad Naeem:
Islamabad:Amidst uncertainty, Pakistan’s National Selection Committee grapples with the opening strategy for the upcoming T20 series against New Zealand.
With the series set to kick off on April 18, the selection committee has unveiled the final squad. However, the pivotal question remains: who will spearhead Pakistan’s batting lineup in the series opener against the Kiwis?
Among the contenders are five seasoned openers: skipper Babar Azam, wicketkeeper-batsman Muhammad Rizwan, Saeem Ayub, Fakhr Zaman, and Usman Khan.
As of now, no definitive decision has been reached regarding the opening pair.
While Captain Babar Azam expresses eagerness to lead from the front, Mohammad Rizwan is earmarked for the number 4 slot.
The team management appears resolute in their support for Usman Khan as Babar’s opening partner.
Initially, plans were afoot to give Saeem Ayub a chance as an opener alongside Babar Azam until the ICC World Cup. However, recent developments suggest a shift in strategy, with Ayub’s role evolving as the series against New Zealand approaches.
