• Sportzyverse
• Cricket news
• 05/27/2024
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Pakistan’s defeat to England in the second T20I at Edgbaston has sparked criticism, particularly regarding the team’s new opening combination. The first T20I at Headingley was washed out, leaving Pakistan with limited opportunities to adjust before the impending T20 World Cup. Under the new head coach Gary Kirsten, Pakistan tried Saim Ayub as an opener, moving Babar Azam down to the number three spot. This strategic shift has not yielded the desired results.

Disturbance in Team Combination

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Ramiz Raja has been vocal about the disruption caused by Ayub’s inclusion as an opener. Raja argues that this move has unsettled the team’s established batting order, which previously saw considerable success with Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam as the opening pair.

“Win or lose is part of the game but Pakistan could’ve competed better and may have even won at the end but they made mistakes. First, let’s identify the problem areas for Pakistan. First, Saim Ayub coming as an opener. I don’t think Pakistan should continue with Saim. He has been given too many chances and you have to do better in [international] cricket,” Ramiz said on his YouTube channel.

He further added, “He is undercooked. You need to revert to the opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam because that is Pakistan’s strength, and they understand each other’s game. The entire combination has been disturbed due to Saim.”

Also read Shoaib Malik Criticizes Pakistan Team Management After Loss to England

Performance Issues and Game Recap

The shift in the opening combination has affected the team’s balance and performance. In the second T20I, Pakistan’s decision to bowl first seemed promising, as they managed to take wickets at regular intervals. However, England’s captain Jos Buttler played a crucial innings, scoring 84 runs and leading his team to a respectable total of 183 runs. Shaheen Afridi was a standout performer with the ball, taking three wickets.

On the batting front, the new opening pair of Ayub and Rizwan failed to deliver, scoring zero and two runs, respectively. Despite decent contributions from Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman, who scored 32 and 45 runs, Pakistan fell short by 23 runs. England’s Reece Topley played a key role in their bowling attack, taking three wickets.

Also read Michael Vaughan Criticises ECB’s Decision on IPL Recall

Ramiz Raja’s comments highlight the need for Pakistan to reconsider its batting strategy as it prepares for the remaining matches in the series and the T20 World Cup. Reverting to the proven opening combination of Rizwan and Babar might stabilize the team’s performance and restore confidence.