Azhar Ali: “So, whether it’s Babar or Rizwan opening, they should come down to number three, or if Rizwan can play at 5 or 6”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Former Pakistan batsman Azhar Ali has admitted there is a chance Mohammad Rizwan may have to be demoted to number five or six if the current opening conundrum cannot be resolved.
Rizwan batted at number three in Pakistan’s recent five-match T20I series against New Zealand in April 2024.
However, should he not be the right fit for that spot, Azhar acknowledged that limited overs captain Babar Azam might have to make the sacrifice and play at one down.
The other alternative is pushing Rizwan down to the middle order to provide some stability in an area where Pakistan have experienced ongoing problems.
“So, whether it’s Babar or Rizwan opening, they should come down to number three, or if Rizwan can play at 5 or 6,” he told Cricket Pakistan.
In the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which ended as a 2-2 draw, Rizwan scored 67 runs in three matches.
Next up for Pakistan will be a three-match T20I series against Ireland from May 10 to 14.
After that, they will play four T20Is against England from May 22 to May 30.
Pakistan Squad for Ireland and England T20I Series: Babar Azam (capt), Abrar Ahmed, Azam Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan
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