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As the 2025 Champions Trophy approaches, Pakistan faces the crucial decision of selecting the ideal opening pair. With experienced contenders like Shan Masood, Fakhar Zaman, and Imam-ul-Haq, the selection promises to be a balanced blend of experience and youth.
So, who do you think should open for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy?
Shoaib Akhtar has his say about the opening pair for the upcoming event.
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Shoaib Akhtar speaking during a TV show:
“My belief is that they’re planning to have Mohammad Rizwan open the innings. Speaking of Fakhar Zaman, I’ve seen him play in Dubai, and he’s very determined and strong in his game. He has won matches single-handedly there. He even gave an interview, saying, “Bhai Jan (brother), I’m feeling good, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on the ground here. I wanted to go deep into the game and play till the 15th or 20th over.”
“Babar Azam should not be moved from the number three position and that’s a fair point, and they should stick to it. Because if Babar Azam doesn’t come in at one-down, your middle order gets exposed. You don’t want Mohammad Rizwan coming in at number six or seven—or even at number five. Sure, he has the ability to score run-a-ball innings, but when it comes to hitting big shots toward the end or finding boundaries in crunch situations, that’s not his strength. His best utilization is as an opener. Mohammad Rizwan can take his sweet time and adjust while Fakhar Zaman can lash out. So, assuming the selection hasn’t been finalized yet, it’s possible they could even go out of the way and bring in someone entirely new. That’s a possibility as well. So, in this scenario, one thing is clear, Babar Azam should play at number three.”
So, who do you think should open for Pakistan in the 2025 Champions Trophy?
Shoaib Akhtar has his say about the opening pair for the upcoming event.
---------------------------
Shoaib Akhtar speaking during a TV show:
“My belief is that they’re planning to have Mohammad Rizwan open the innings. Speaking of Fakhar Zaman, I’ve seen him play in Dubai, and he’s very determined and strong in his game. He has won matches single-handedly there. He even gave an interview, saying, “Bhai Jan (brother), I’m feeling good, and I’ve been spending a lot of time on the ground here. I wanted to go deep into the game and play till the 15th or 20th over.”
“Babar Azam should not be moved from the number three position and that’s a fair point, and they should stick to it. Because if Babar Azam doesn’t come in at one-down, your middle order gets exposed. You don’t want Mohammad Rizwan coming in at number six or seven—or even at number five. Sure, he has the ability to score run-a-ball innings, but when it comes to hitting big shots toward the end or finding boundaries in crunch situations, that’s not his strength. His best utilization is as an opener. Mohammad Rizwan can take his sweet time and adjust while Fakhar Zaman can lash out. So, assuming the selection hasn’t been finalized yet, it’s possible they could even go out of the way and bring in someone entirely new. That’s a possibility as well. So, in this scenario, one thing is clear, Babar Azam should play at number three.”
