Babar Azam to open for Pakistan in Champions Trophy: Details
What's the story
Mohammad Rizwan has confirmed that Babar Azam will be Pakistan's opening batsman in the upcoming Champions Trophy. The announcement comes ahead of Pakistan's match against New Zealand on Wednesday, February 19, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Despite media reports speculating Saud Shakeel could open with Fakhar Zaman, Rizwan has dismissed the reports and expressed confidence in Babar's abilities.
Confidence
Rizwan backs Babar Azam's technical prowess
Defending the decision to have Babar open, Rizwan said during a pre-match press conference, "It's not that we don't have options, we do have. But if you look at the conditions, Babar is the right man to open." He further emphasized on Babar's technical strength as a batter and dismissed any uncertainty about him not opening for Pakistan in this tournament.
Performance
Babar Azam's track record as an opener
Babar, 30, has a decent record as an opener in ODIs. In five games, he has managed to score only 88 runs at an average of 17.60 with a top score of 29. During Pakistan's recent tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa, Babar managed 10, 23 and 29 on batting-friendly pitches.
Role acceptance
Rizwan confirms Babar's comfort with new role
Rizwan also confirmed that Babar is comfortable with his new role and will continue opening the batting in the Champions Trophy. "He is satisfied with his batting position. We want to bring genuine openers, but it is our home conditions, we want a left-right combination. Hence, we decided to have Babar Azam as an opener as he is technically sound batter," Rizwan told reporters ahead of the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand.
Opening duo
Champions Trophy: Babar and Fakhar Zaman to open
With Rizwan's confirmation, it is now evident that Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will be Pakistan's opening pair in the Champions Trophy. Rizwan also stressed on the need of a complete team effort in the tournament. "It is not just about me and Babar Azam. Everyone is training very hard and working hard to win the Champions Trophy," said Rizwan.
Team unity
Rizwan's hopes for a united team performance
Further, Rizwan said he wanted a united team to come through in the upcoming matches. "As a captain, it feels the best when the win comes through a complete team performance. But in the recent few matches, it has boiled down to individual performances when we have won. The focus right now is on all 15 members, all 15 members are captains," he said during an interaction with media.
Information
Babar chases this record against NZ
Babar enjoys playing against New Zealand. In 22 matches, he has smashed a total of 945 runs at 47.25 with the help of 10 fifty-plus scores (100s: 2, 50s: 8). Babar is 55 runs shy of reaching the 1,000-run mark in ODIs against the Kiwis.