A fresh debate has emerged in Pakistan cricket should Babar Azam open the innings in T20 matches? The discussion gained momentum after strong remarks from former fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar.
Akhtar believes that sending Babar as an opener could significantly change Pakistan’s approach in T20 cricket.
What Did Shoaib Akhtar Say?
Shoaib Akhtar stated that if Babar Azam had been sent to open the innings, he could have made a massive impact with the new ball. According to him, Babar’s excellent timing and calm mindset against fast bowling make him ideally suited for the role.
Akhtar even suggested that Babar could score a quick 50 off just 25 balls in the powerplay. He emphasized that Babar enjoys facing pace and looks comfortable when the ball comes onto the bat a key advantage in the early overs of T20 cricket.
Why Opening Matters in T20 Cricket
The first six overs in T20 cricket known as the powerplay often decide the momentum of the match. A strong start with aggressive yet controlled batting can put immediate pressure on the opposition.
An experienced and technically sound batter like Babar Azam opening the innings could provide:
- Stability at the top
- Smart shot selection
- Consistent boundary scoring
- A healthy strike rate in the powerplay
This balance of control and aggression is considered ideal in modern T20 cricket.
Babar Azam’s White-Ball Credentials
Babar Azam has scored thousands of runs in One Day Internationals and T20 Internationals, establishing himself as one of Pakistan’s most reliable batters. His consistency, composure under pressure, and ability to anchor an innings have made him a key figure in Pakistan’s batting lineup.
While team combinations and match strategies often require flexibility in batting positions, Babar has mostly operated at the top of the order in white-ball cricket.
Divided Opinions Among Experts
Cricket analysts remain divided on the issue:
- Some argue that an experienced batter should open to ensure both stability and attacking intent.
- Others believe T20 cricket demands flexibility based on pitch conditions and opposition strengths.
Shoaib Akhtar’s comments have intensified the conversation around Pakistan’s ideal T20 batting order.
Final Thoughts
As Pakistan aims to improve its T20 performances, decisions about batting roles remain crucial. The question now is simple:
If Babar Azam is given a consistent opportunity to open in T20s, could he truly deliver a 25-ball fifty and reshape Pakistan’s approach at the top?
The debate continues and fans are watching closely.