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Why not use Babar Azam as an opener in ODIs?

Since 1990s (more precisely when power play was introduced), most of the top openers are actually middle order players. Power Play is not about Afridi style bang bang and every team barring PAK brought their best batsman on top for 2 reasons - it gives them maximum overs to bat in and it allows them to punish every loose ball when 9 fielders are in.

Take a pick - it started with Latham/Greatbatch, then the prominent openers used in last 29 years (from middle order) are

AUS: Mark, Gilchrist, Watson, Clarke
IND: Tendulkar, Ganguly, Sehwag, Sharma
ENG: Botham, Stewart, KP
NZ: Astle, Fleming, BMac
SRL: Sanath, Kalu, Dilshan, Mahela
WIN: Lara, Hope, Philo Wales, Jackobs, Brown
SAF: Gibbs, Kock, Amla, AbdV
BD: Ashraful
ZIM: Andy Flower, Nail Johnson, B Taylor

..... and I am sure, I am missing few here. It was fortunate for PAK that Saeed & Sohail started domestic career as opener hence they were given opening slot despite being naturally aggressive players, otherwise No. 5 & 6 were their destiny to win it larke lenge style. And, it’s also surprising that the first move of this makeshift opener was started by a PAK Captain with Salim Yousuf.

Babar’s game is 110% suited for ODI opening, infact more than T20, where he is probably among top 3 batsman for last few years. But, PAK tank won’t use him as opener, because of one failure as opener 3 years back. Also, keeping him out of opening keeps 2 slots open for the chosen ones, because once he is settled as opener, for next 10-12 years, that one side of the opening pair will be locked.

Neither Amir nor Anwar were openers. Anwar opened after Imran wanted him to open after seeing the potential in him as a striker on bouncy wickets of Aus in 89 tour. He then even played a few games in late 92 early 93 in the middle order in Aus and SA.

Sohail in an interview to a cricket magazine in 1992 credetied Wasim Raja as someone who asked him to open a year or two before he played for Pak, Raja had told AS that Pak middle order is pretty settled with JM, SM and IK and his only possible way into Pak was as an opener. If my memory serves me right, Raja was also the one that pushed Amir to have a high back lift like Gooch.
 
That would be a suicide for our batting. Babar doesn't have the technique to play swing. As simple as that. He struggles against new ball early on, even when there is no swing, as he wants to connect ball and thus may give catch to slip or keeper.
 
It will be stupidity to move him from number 3 position. He is set there. Best batsman of the team has to play at 3 in ODIs. Shield him from new ball and give him the best chance to flourish.

This is generally true. Babar's main weakness is spin, where as he has all the shots against pacers, can play 145 clicks with ease even in test. He does not slog them. All others cannot play pace that well. He can drive, cut and pull on all sides of the ground.

Compare that to Fakhar, who is hack and lot more comfortable against spin than pace. Against pace, Fakhar is mostly French cut, that does not work against quality opposition. He will be better off playing against spin than pace. Hafeez had same problem, who cannot play pace.

Shaun is the other guy who plays pace pretty well. What we saw in SA, was no fluke, he was best player of pace in our side. I am baffled why we have not tried him in ODIs?? - We are not like India who have so many options and depth that they can leave Pujra out. We severely lack technically correct batsman. If we want to win against top teams, both Shaun and Babar has to play in top 4(max). Rest of the batsman does not have quality to perform against top bowling consistently. Fluke should not be pinned as main strategy. Relying on Fakhar's fluke as key batting strategy is fundamental mistake, that was the reason we lost both test and ODI series...Entire era of Shahid Afridi has same issue, we have to start putting substance before emotions!!
 
Neither Amir nor Anwar were openers. Anwar opened after Imran wanted him to open after seeing the potential in him as a striker on bouncy wickets of Aus in 89 tour. He then even played a few games in late 92 early 93 in the middle order in Aus and SA.

Sohail in an interview to a cricket magazine in 1992 credetied Wasim Raja as someone who asked him to open a year or two before he played for Pak, Raja had told AS that Pak middle order is pretty settled with JM, SM and IK and his only possible way into Pak was as an opener. If my memory serves me right, Raja was also the one that pushed Amir to have a high back lift like Gooch.

You exposed my age :) Yes, now can recall Saeed's first ODI game was 1989 vs IND and he won MoM for 40+ innings (in a 16 over game) from No. 5/6. PAK went to 1990 WSC with Raza & probably Shoaib as opener, but later Saeed was promoted to open. First time, I came to know why a left-right opening combo is tactically good move from Imran and then Benaud had a detailed explanation on technicalities. Amir debuted as opener, and I hardly can recall anything from that time.
 
I agree with your names and your assessment. In fact i had totally forgotten about umar akmal. I don't know why we still haven't given someone like Kamran Ghulam and Amad Butt a go (better bowler and got much better batting technique then fahim, plus a natural athlete). I know fakhar/imad can play till next world cup but i don't think they will be able to hold their place. Fakhar is getting brainless day by day. Let's hope hafeez retires after this world cup other wise he will be there for the next one too.

People are being too harsh on Fakhar. True his technique is far from textbook and gives 1-2 chances to opposition per innings. However given our awful opening standards, a guy averaging 41 at SR of 88 in ODIs v top teams is excellent.
 
People are being too harsh on Fakhar. True his technique is far from textbook and gives 1-2 chances to opposition per innings. However given our awful opening standards, a guy averaging 41 at SR of 88 in ODIs v top teams is excellent.

I like fakhar, but he needs to stop playing stupid shots. He can't play the pull or hook, but always goes for it and 90% of the time it's a top edge or it hits his head and keeps getting out to the pull/ hook. If you can't play it then don't play at least don't give your wicket away.

Haris can't play them and never takes on them.
 
This is the biggest difference of opinion here. What is aggressive cricket or were the players I have listed some hunks that goes after from ball 1 with eyes closed?

The key to success in PP is timing, placement and 360 degree shot making ability on either feet - Babar has more than that. He maintained a 200+ SR without hitting any SIX in last game and had like 10 boundaries in his fist 20 balls - 10 boundaries in first 20 overs are actually more than enough to reach 75 at that mark and PAK reaching 120.

These days, including Fakhar, PAK openers waste too many loose balls - not saying they should go blind, but every loose ball has to be hit for runs. Imam, Fakhar, Shezad or Azhar couldn't do that for their shot making limitation, poor placement, shot selection and dependence on low %, high risk shots for their runs with 9 men in - Babar has every thing covered; on top of that he has far better technique than any of the 4 (even Azhar, playing dead bat doesn't indicate good technique) to survive the new ball. He can play his natural game and still can reach 35 in power play without taking much risk. After that, when the spinners come, a well set Babar should manage them better.

It's no brainer - ideally, Babar should have opened with Sharjeel long, long, long back and Fakhar (Umar) at 3 should have been ideal top 3 for PAK. In last 20 years, the biggest miss for PCT was not to try MoYo as ODI opener and the worst investment was to give MoHa a decade as opener. Now, they are heading to the next phase with Babar .... and Fakhar as well, who should bat at 3.

I think you are getting carried away by Babar last T20 innings. There is a massive difference in 50 over cricket where your best players are required to bat slightly within themselves to score 100s. The value of your wicket is much higher. I prefer Babar at 3 where he can sometimes come in after the first 6 overs and its slightly easier to start your innings. I would like him to improve his average and conversation rate even more at 3 rather than making him open and taking chances.
 
Babar Azam to open in the World Cup?

We know that his big strength is piercing the field in the power play overs and that he struggles to hit boundaries thereafter. Could it be an idea to have him and Imam open the innings? This would give us the chance to play Haris at three and bring in a hitter like Asif Ali down the order.

Just a thought. Don't kill me...
 
Fakhar
Babar
Haris

should be our top 3.

Totally agree with you.

We have seen how good Babar is in T20’s where he opens.

Let him do it too for the national side.

And believe me or not Fakhar will also be more confident while batting with Babar in the first ten overs.

And with Haris we have a solid number three.
 
Yes I also believe we should open with Babar Azam so this can be our batting order:

1) Fakhar Zaman (Backup Opener should be Imam, Shan or Abid if he (Abid) get an opportunity in this series)
2) Babar Azam
3) Haris Sohail
4) Muhammad Hafeez
5) Umar Akmal
6) Sarfaraz Ahmed (C) (WK)
7) Shadab Khan (I hope we can somehow select Umer Khan as well in case he doesn't comeback to form)
8) Imad Wasim
9) Muhammad Amir (Muhammad Hasnian can be our backup bowler if he proves his fitness)
10) Hasan Ali
11) Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shoaib Malik must be dropped as we cannot drop Sarfaraz

This batting order in my opinion is much more capable of making good runs..
 
Totally agree with you.

We have seen how good Babar is in T20’s where he opens.

Let him do it too for the national side.

And believe me or not Fakhar will also be more confident while batting with Babar in the first ten overs.

And with Haris we have a solid number three.

Yeah i have the same feeling that Fakhar and Babar will complement each other well.

who would you pick at 4?
 
Yeah i have the same feeling that Fakhar and Babar will complement each other well.

who would you pick at 4?
Sarfraz.

Because of his record at 4 in England.

Let’s be honest he isn’t a power-hitter and is at his best when he can rotate the strike.

Number 5 goes to Malik or U Akmal.

Number 6 goes to Hafeez, he has done a great job as a finisher.
 
Sarfraz.

Because of his record at 4 in England.

Let’s be honest he isn’t a power-hitter and is at his best when he can rotate the strike.

Number 5 goes to Malik or U Akmal.

Number 6 goes to Hafeez, he has done a great job as a finisher.

Not sold on Hafeez and Malik but agree Sarfraz needs to play at 4 or 5.
 
International cricket is all about playinh the best 11 players and making the best combination possible. Yes by doing that someone has to sit on the bench even when he is not playing bad.

Its all about what the best combination can be.

In my eyes:

1. Fakhar zaman/ ahmed shehzad
2. Babar azam
3. Haris sohail
4. Mohammad rizwan
5. Sarfraz ahmed
6. Mohammad hafeez ( must bowl)
7. Umar akmal/ asif ali
8. Shadab khan
9. Hassan ali
10. Mohammad husnain
11. Shaheen shah afridi
 
International cricket is all about playinh the best 11 players and making the best combination possible. Yes by doing that someone has to sit on the bench even when he is not playing bad.

Its all about what the best combination can be.

In my eyes:

1. Fakhar zaman/ ahmed shehzad
2. Babar azam
3. Haris sohail
4. Mohammad rizwan
5. Sarfraz ahmed
6. Mohammad hafeez ( must bowl)
7. Umar akmal/ asif ali
8. Shadab khan
9. Hassan ali
10. Mohammad husnain
11. Shaheen shah afridi

Haris sohail and fakhar zaman both can also bowl a couple of overs.

Even when you are playing 5 specialist bowlers what is the guarantee that 1 of them wont go for runs.

Its our bad that we dont have an international standard allrounder. These imad wasim's and faheem ashraf's ll go for runs anyway. So why not play a extra batsmen and strengthen your combination.

We can define 10 overs between hafeez, haris and fakhar.
 
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International cricket is all about playinh the best 11 players and making the best combination possible. Yes by doing that someone has to sit on the bench even when he is not playing bad.

Its all about what the best combination can be.

In my eyes:

1. Fakhar zaman/ ahmed shehzad
2. Babar azam
3. Haris sohail
4. Mohammad rizwan
5. Sarfraz ahmed
6. Mohammad hafeez ( must bowl)
7. Umar akmal/ asif ali
8. Shadab khan
9. Hassan ali
10. Mohammad husnain
11. Shaheen shah afridi

If playing Akmal, then pay him at 3 as he's wasted down the order and holes out too often. Then you've got a top 3 who can play quickly.
 
If playing Akmal, then pay him at 3 as he's wasted down the order and holes out too often. Then you've got a top 3 who can play quickly.

Umar akmal hasnt got the mental approach to play at 3 in odis bro. Yes in t20 we can play him at no 3 or 4, but not in odi.

At no 3 you play your best bat, but our best bat has to fullfill the opening role, bcz we dont have anyone who can take advantage of the powerplay. So we have to play our second best bat at no 3 and that is haris sohail.

Let umar akmal do what he does and knows best.
 
Umar akmal hasnt got the mental approach to play at 3 in odis bro. Yes in t20 we can play him at no 3 or 4, but not in odi.

At no 3 you play your best bat, but our best bat has to fullfill the opening role, bcz we dont have anyone who can take advantage of the powerplay. So we have to play our second best bat at no 3 and that is haris sohail.

Let umar akmal do what he does and knows best.

But what chance is their geniunely that they'll play babar as an opener?
 
The issue with Fakhar batting with Imam is that Fakhar is a naturally aggressive batsman, however Imam is a more cautious batsman who looks to play out the first few overs.

This is an issue as Imam doesn't look to rotate the strike or even hit boundaries early on and as a result of this Fakhar has to take the role of aggressor and make up for the amount of dot balls Imam is creating early on. As a result of this Fakhar takes one too many risks and ends up getting out early.

However, Fakhar batting with Babar will be two naturally aggressive batsmen who always look to minimise dot balls, especially in the powerplay. T20s have shown us how lethal Babar is in the opening powerplay and if he is promoted to opener in ODIs it could reduce the pressure on Fakhar to make runs and as a result first 10 overs could easily go 50-0 or even 60-0.

Also, putting Haris at 3 means even if a wicket is lost early on there is a solid batsman coming to the crease with a secure technique and also operates a decent strike-rate.
 
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I guess some people were trying to find a way of keeping the nephew out of the eleven

The nephew is developing well and very strong mentally. He's shown he has the shots, it's a matter of converting the dot balls into singles for him to become a complete batsman.
 
The nephew is developing well and very strong mentally. He's shown he has the shots, it's a matter of converting the dot balls into singles for him to become a complete batsman.
I have a big issue on his get out of the jail shot.

I am sure you know what i am talking about. The time when he pretends to be Viv Richards ( even Viv didnt use to do this often) and charges down the wicket to a fast bowler. It all looks beautiful when he executes it. The problem is that it is a very very very high risk stroke.
 
I guess some people were trying to find a way of keeping the nephew out of the eleven

Honestly I dont care care if he is bhanja or bhateeja of Inzi, Miandad or Imran Khan.

Despite his good form which i acknowledge i dont think he suits our batting line and as a partner with Fakhar. For me he wastes too many balls in powerplays even on phatta pitches.

We have 2 choices either to include some aggressive opener in place of him like Sharjeel or someone like Babar who is master at finding gaps in powerplays. That is evident by his form in t20is where he scores quick in powerplays without playing risky shots and from there on build his innings. Babar at 3 is sublime too but just for team balance i think he can do as good a job at opening too if not better.

This will also positively affect Fakhar and Haris. Fakhar can play his shots according to his assessment of bowling and pitch and Haris is a better player of pace compare to spin and no 4 is a bit low position for a batsman of his type.

If our top 3 score 170 off ~33/35 overs, Pakistan are in good hands.
 
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Honestly I dont care care if he is bhanja or bhateeja of Inzi, Miandad or Imran Khan.

Despite his good form which i acknowledge i dont think he suits our batting line and as a partner with Fakhar. For me he wastes too many balls in powerplays even on phatta pitches.

We have 2 choices either to include some aggressive opener in place of him like Sharjeel or someone like Babar who is master at finding gaps in powerplays. That is evident by his form in t20is where he scores quick in powerplays without playing risky shots and from there on build his innings. Babar at 3 is sublime too but just for team balance i think he can do as good a job at opening too if not better.

This will also positively affect Fakhar and Haris. Fakhar can play his shots according to his assessment of bowling and pitch and Haris is a better player of pace compare to spin and no 4 is a bit low position for a batsman of his type.

If our top 3 score 170 off ~33 overs, Pakistan are in good hands.

I know Shan hasnt scored a million runs in ODIs but he gives me more confidence. I rather open with Shan and Fakhar.
 
Didnt see Shan in last 2 matches but he is scoring like Bradman in list A.

Unlucky not to play in SA.
Shan didnt play a single ODI in SA.

Umer Khan and Haris Rauf didnt get picked for Aus ODIs.

I know this is an unpopular opinion but hey even Ahmed Shehzad deserved another chance vs Australia.

I have concluded that Inzi/Mickey combo is poison for our cricket future.
 
Shan didnt play a single ODI in SA.

Umer Khan and Haris Rauf didnt get picked for Aus ODIs.

I know this is an unpopular opinion but hey even Ahmed Shehzad deserved another chance vs Australia.

I have concluded that Inzi/Mickey combo is poison for our cricket future.

Haha bhai Ahmed Shehzad ko team sai door he rakho :p

Baqi i still cant believe they didnt pick Umer Khan and yes Haris Rauf too as our fast bowling looks really thin and there are open spots for WC. Now that Rana jee is rested atleast ab he bhej dain Umer Khan ko. We are basically going without a proper spinner in WC and WC has many more matches than CT and teams have a much better look at Shady now and we shouldn't expect him to deliver in every match..
 
01. Fakhar
02. Shan
03. Babar
04. Haris
05. Rizwan
06. Malik
07. Imad
08. Shadab
09. Hasan
10. Shaheen
11. Hasnain
 
Play him as an opener or at 3, this dot ball specialist would still play selfish cricket and will maintain his career SR of 83-85 just like nephew is doing currently. These two aren't good enough, don't play for the country but for themselves.

Pakistan don't need openers having avg of 55 and SR of 82-84, what Pakistan need are openers with avg around 39 and SR of 95-100. Fakhar is one, we need to find another one. Sharjeel and Shahzaib would have been ideal partners and backup for Fakhar.
 
Play him as an opener or at 3, this dot ball specialist would still play selfish cricket and will maintain his career SR of 83-85 just like nephew is doing currently. These two aren't good enough, don't play for the country but for themselves.

Pakistan don't need openers having avg of 55 and SR of 82-84, what Pakistan need are openers with avg around 39 and SR of 95-100. Fakhar is one, we need to find another one. Sharjeel and Shahzaib would have been ideal partners and backup for Fakhar.

Sharjeel I agree with and where does Shahzaib come from?

Has he even been playing domestic cricket?
 
Honestly I dont care care if he is bhanja or bhateeja of Inzi, Miandad or Imran Khan.

Despite his good form which i acknowledge i dont think he suits our batting line and as a partner with Fakhar. For me he wastes too many balls in powerplays even on phatta pitches.

We have 2 choices either to include some aggressive opener in place of him like Sharjeel or someone like Babar who is master at finding gaps in powerplays. That is evident by his form in t20is where he scores quick in powerplays without playing risky shots and from there on build his innings. Babar at 3 is sublime too but just for team balance i think he can do as good a job at opening too if not better.

This will also positively affect Fakhar and Haris. Fakhar can play his shots according to his assessment of bowling and pitch and Haris is a better player of pace compare to spin and no 4 is a bit low position for a batsman of his type.

If our top 3 score 170 off ~33/35 overs, Pakistan are in good hands.

If our top 3 score 170 in 35 overs, we are still staring at a score of 270 and 280.

I don't know about you, but I don't believe 280 is enough.
 
Sharjeel I agree with and where does Shahzaib come from?

Has he even been playing domestic cricket?

He's banned of course that's why I said he and Sharjeel 'would have been ideal' . We need such openers who can bat with a strike rate over 100. Sharjeel and Shahzaib are the only two batsmen in Pakistan who have List A strike rate of more than 100 and decent averages too. Fakhar, Sharjeel and Shahzaib can be our Hales, Roy and Bairstow
 
I think he would do a brilliant job as a opener but I don't think he will be moved from number 3.
 
Because there is not much difference between Babar and Imam. Babar has been doing fine at #3.
 
If our top 3 score 170 in 35 overs, we are still staring at a score of 270 and 280.

I don't know about you, but I don't believe 280 is enough.

Agree with that, after 35 overs par score is around 200 nowadays and in Eng it's even higher esp on grounds like Trent bridge,
 
He's banned of course that's why I said he and Sharjeel 'would have been ideal' . We need such openers who can bat with a strike rate over 100. Sharjeel and Shahzaib are the only two batsmen in Pakistan who have List A strike rate of more than 100 and decent averages too. Fakhar, Sharjeel and Shahzaib can be our Hales, Roy and Bairstow

more fixers in the team then eh
 
Babar showed he is capable of playing at 90 + strike rate in SA in a few innings. He should remain at 3. Despite failing in the first two games, Imam has the temperament and ability to score big. Just needs to hit more boundaries. He should not overdo it and go for ugly hoicks though.
 
We should only take one of imam and Shan on this basis. Babar is the backup opener.
Umer can be the back up middle order bat if he scores some quick runs in the next 3 games ( otherwise Asif Ali)
That leaves room for umer khan!
 
No teams dont score 100/110 in last 15 overs with wickets in hand.. 300 will be on.

Our power hitting is not good enough.

Plus what's the guarantee that Imam, Haris and Babar will not continue batting till the 40th or 42nd over.
 
I'm content with the batting group. Run scoring will be easier than uae, so we will be looking at 325 equivalent scores from our last 2 losses.
That allows our bowlers to get to work,
It's like people haven't been watching us last 2 years.
Shadab attacks, Imad defends
Shaheen and Hassan have been our attacking bowlers, faheem and amir the economical ones
 
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Everything is going to depend on the conditions in England. Pakistani batting is not setup to score or chase down big scores. Pakistan's best chance is lower scoring games 250-270 range where their more technical batsman can craft innings and bowlers really take advantage of conditions. What happened in the CL final was an anomaly and you simply cannot expect Pakistan to produce those kinds of runs unless Fakhar really goes off at the top. We just do not have enough impact take it to the bowlers types of players.
 
more fixers in the team then eh

If fixers, who are also worst performer, like Amir can be backed blindly and butt's case can be pushed openly then Why can't you do that for a match winner like Sharjeel? And Shahzaib who's better than Imam, Shan, Babar etc on modern flat pitches? He could turn out to be a match winner too.

List A strike rate of Sharjeel and Shahzaib are extraordinary and that's what we need right now.
 
Babar showed he is capable of playing at 90 + strike rate in SA in a few innings. He should remain at 3. Despite failing in the first two games, Imam has the temperament and ability to score big. Just needs to hit more boundaries. He should not overdo it and go for ugly hoicks though.

He's not improved at all , still plays like he's debuting and is a choker in big matches /pressure situation.
 
If fixers, who are also worst performer, like Amir can be backed blindly and butt's case can be pushed openly then Why can't you do that for a match winner like Sharjeel? And Shahzaib who's better than Imam, Shan, Babar etc on modern flat pitches? He could turn out to be a match winner too.

List A strike rate of Sharjeel and Shahzaib are extraordinary and that's what we need right now.

we didn't know amir would turn out the way he did.

butt and asif are history, still baffling the former made it to the PSL side.

lol shahzaib is better than babar and imam...based on what?

international and domestic cricket are different worlds... just because one is successful in domestic doesn't translate to a successful international career.

only in pakistan do players that aren't in the side become world beaters over night
 
we didn't know amir would turn out the way he did.

butt and asif are history, still baffling the former made it to the PSL side.

lol shahzaib is better than babar and imam...based on what?

international and domestic cricket are different worlds... just because one is successful in domestic doesn't translate to a successful international career.

only in pakistan do players that aren't in the side become world beaters over night

Because modern ODI conditions suit Shahzaib more than Imam and Babar, just like Sharjeel . Yes Imam and Babar gonna score meaningless runs and maintain their avgs because ball doesn't do anything. While the likes of Sharjeel and Shahzaib have the ability to play impactful innings and modern conditions suit them alot better. Just Look at Hales, Roy and Bairstow they aren't great batsmen but are extremely lethal in today's ODI cricket and Babar, Imam are nobodies in front of them, just like they are nobody in front of Sharjeel. And Shahzaib is a player in Sharjeel's mould.

Sharjeel's 55(45), Shahzaibs 42 (29), Fakhar's 50(50) > Babars 100 (120), Imams 60(85), Shan's 45(60)
in my opinion
 
Because modern ODI conditions suit Shahzaib more than Imam and Babar, just like Sharjeel . Yes Imam and Babar gonna score meaningless runs and maintain their avgs because ball doesn't do anything. While the likes of Sharjeel and Shahzaib have the ability to play impactful innings and modern conditions suit them alot better. Just Look at Hales, Roy and Bairstow they aren't great batsmen but are extremely lethal in today's ODI cricket and Babar, Imam are nobodies in front of them, just like they are nobody in front of Sharjeel. And Shahzaib is a player in Sharjeel's mould.

Sharjeel's 55(45), Shahzaibs 42 (29), Fakhar's 50(50) > Babars 100 (120), Imams 60(85), Shan's 45(60)
in my opinion

Sharjeel and Fakhar yes.

Do you think Shahzaib is good enough? What do you make of his performances when he did represent Pakistan?
 
Sharjeel and Fakhar yes.

Do you think Shahzaib is good enough? What do you make of his performances when he did represent Pakistan?

In all honesty, I never liked him. But looking at current ODI conditions he's needed as he's one of the only few in our setup who can play modern ODI cricket. There's no one apart from Sharjeel, Fakhar and him who can fit the bill. The next best are Awais Zia, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ahsan Ali and they aren't ODI quality, maybe good enough for t20 esp Mukhtar but certainly not for ODIs.

Shahzaib has an ODI average of 33 and he last played for Pakistan almost a decade ago, now conditions have got alot favourable for batsmen I am sure he can do even better. if he maintains avg b/w 35-39 and SR around 100 he will be the ideal opener for Pakistan.
Sharjeel had mediocre numbers too before his comeback in 2016 but just look what he did after making a comeback in modern favourable conditions. I think his avg was over 40 and and SR was around 130 in 2016-17.

Hales, Bairstow and Roy also have avgs in late 30s but they are match winning openers. Here,We are just being fooled by the inflated averages of Imam and Babar though there's hardly any impact when they stay at the crease to score their meaningless 60s and 70s (with SRs of 70-80) to maintain their avgs. Then people say they are the best we have got, no they're not the best in modern flat conditions, best top orders are currently banned and should be called back ASAP. We could have called Sharjeel back in time for the WC to partner him with Fakhar but we didn't as nephew would have to sit out then
 
In all honesty, I never liked him. But looking at current ODI conditions he's needed as he's one of the only few in our setup who can play modern ODI cricket. There's no one apart from Sharjeel, Fakhar and him who can fit the bill. The next best are Awais Zia, Mukhtar Ahmed, Ahsan Ali and they aren't ODI quality, maybe good enough for t20 esp Mukhtar but certainly not for ODIs.

Shahzaib has an ODI average of 33 and he last played for Pakistan almost a decade ago, now conditions have got alot favourable for batsmen I am sure he can do even better. if he maintains avg b/w 35-39 and SR around 100 he will be the ideal opener for Pakistan.
Sharjeel had mediocre numbers too before his comeback in 2016 but just look what he did after making a comeback in modern favourable conditions. I think his avg was over 40 and and SR was around 130 in 2016-17.

Hales, Bairstow and Roy also have avgs in late 30s but they are match winning openers. Here,We are just being fooled by the inflated averages of Imam and Babar though there's hardly any impact when they stay at the crease to score their meaningless 60s and 70s (with SRs of 70-80) to maintain their avgs. Then people say they are the best we have got, no they're not the best in modern flat conditions, best top orders are currently banned and should be called back ASAP. We could have called Sharjeel back in time for the WC to partner him with Fakhar but we didn't as nephew would have to sit out then

Those are some fair points, good post.
 
This seems a like a good idea to me.

1. Babar
2. Imam/Fakhar/Take your pic
3. Haris

Babar is pretty consistent and thus we could reap the benefits of him opening with someone like Imam who has shown he can also stay at the crease.
 
looking at harris, he looks like a proper no.3 batsmen, baber should be given the slot to open as its a crucial position and we cant find anyone to fill it and he is our best batsmen.

Baber in a way is lucky, he was born abit late otherwise under misbah, he would have been destroyed just like u.akmal and be playing at 5/6.
 
1) Imam
2) Babar
3) Haris
4) Rizwan
5) Saud
6)Khushdil
7) Imad
8) Zafar Gohar
9) Shadab / Amir
10) Wahab / Haris rauf
11) Shaheen Afridi

this looks like a great ODI XI for the future. Getting babar to open makes our middle orde rmuch stronger.
 
I am totally against this idea. This puts Babar in the line of fire and no team does that to their best player. Every team's best batsman bats at number 3 where he is shielded to some extent by the openers. Plus Babar has never played as an opener even in his u19 days. He is doing great at number 3 and thats where he should stay.
 
I don't know why this idea is being entertained at all. This is a terrible idea. The top three is absolutely fine. Imam is a fine opener. And Fakhar is inconsistent but still better than anyone we've tried in more than a decade (except Sharjeel, maybe). He's just going through a bad patch. Add Haris at 4, and you have a very solid top 4. Babar is batting beautifully at 3, and that's where he should stay.
 
I don't know why this idea is being entertained at all. This is a terrible idea. The top three is absolutely fine. Imam is a fine opener. And Fakhar is inconsistent but still better than anyone we've tried in more than a decade (except Sharjeel, maybe). He's just going through a bad patch. Add Haris at 4, and you have a very solid top 4. Babar is batting beautifully at 3, and that's where he should stay.

Shajeel khan
Ahsan ali
Babar
Haris
Saud shakeel
New wickkeeper
Imad

No place for fakhar or imam!
 
Shahzaib is better than Babar?! You read something mind blowing on here every single day. This forum is perfect if you want to start your day with a proper laugh.
 
With the new Kookaburra swinging prodigiously, we might need to consider Babar opening with Imam and pushing the out-of-form Fakhar down to 3.

I've backed Fakhar over the years but his technique is suspect even on docile pitches.

A right-left combination can also upset the rhythm of the bowlers.
 
With the new Kookaburra swinging prodigiously, we might need to consider Babar opening with Imam and pushing the out-of-form Fakhar down to 3.

I've backed Fakhar over the years but his technique is suspect even on docile pitches.

A right-left combination can also upset the rhythm of the bowlers.

Can’t have your best batsman getting out in the PP especially with a non existent middle order.

I’d actually play Babar at 4 and Fakhar at 3. Shafique or Harris to open.
 
Number 3 is probably the most important position in ODI cricket and this is where the best batsman of the team should bat. It is best that he bats at number 3 for Pakistan in this format.
 
Babar should seriously consider this for the SL game.
 
This is why I made the thread on saud being no 3. Babar is showing he's clueless against spin. Might as well open since he's our best player of pace.
 
Well not a bad Idea to use babar as an openner since fakhar is in terrible form but the problem is that if he gets out early so whole team will get under pressure.
 
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