Mohammad Rizwan: “Saim and Abdullah have got a chance to [prove themselves] as openers”
Image taken by: Bimal Mirwani
Pakistan limited overs captain Mohammad Rizwan has urged Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique to prove themselves as openers.
Both batsmen have shown plenty of promise so far, but Rizwan will be hoping that they score runs on a more consistent basis.
Ayub and Shafique were recently involved in Pakistan’s three-Test series against England, with the former scoring 155 runs, which included a career-best 77, at an average of 25.83.
As for Shafique, he finished with 132 runs, which included a top score of 102, at an average of 26.40.
The duo then featured in a three-match ODI series against Australia, where Ayub made 125 runs, which included a career-best 82, at an average of 41.66.
Shafique, meanwhile, amassed 113 runs, which included a top score of 64 not out, at an average of 56.50.
In regards to the T20I series that followed, neither player featured in it.
Having seen glimpses of brilliance from both Ayub and Shafique, Rizwan wants them to step up more often and make their presence felt.
“Saim and Abdullah have got a chance to [prove themselves] as openers,” he was quoted as saying by journalist Arfa Feroz Zake on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Pakistan are now facing Zimbabwe in an ODI series and find themselves 1-0 down after losing the first game by 80 runs via the DLS method.
Once the three ODIs are done, the two teams will play three T20Is, with the first game scheduled to be held on November 26 in Bulawayo.
Pakistan Squad for Zimbabwe ODI Series: Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Ahmed Daniyal, Faisal Akram, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wicketkeeper), Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Rizwan (captain and wicketkeeper), Irfan Khan, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shahnawaz Dahani, Tayyab Tahir
Pakistan Squad for Zimbabwe T20I Series: Ahmed Daniyal, Arafat Minhas, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan (wicketkeeper), Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Irfan Khan, Omair bin Yousuf, Qasim Akram, Sahibzada Farhan, Salman Ali Agha, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan
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