Pakistan’s opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is back in the spotlight, but not for all the right reasons. Their performance in the first T20I against South Africa on Tuesday has sparked debate, with former cricketer Atiq-uz-Zaman questioning interim white-ball coach Aqib Javed’s strategy.
A Familiar Opening Gambit
Chasing a hefty 184-run target, Pakistan once again leaned on their tried-and-tested opening duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. This decision, however, pushed young talents Saim Ayub and Usman Khan down the order, disrupting the batting lineup.
The gamble didn’t pay off. The pair managed a sluggish 16-run partnership before Babar fell for a four-ball duck. The result? A shaky start that left Pakistan struggling to keep up with the required run rate.
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Atiq’s Pointed Question
Atiq-uz-Zaman wasted no time in calling out Aqib Javed. Taking to X (formerly Twitter), he wrote,
“Didn’t Aqib Javed Sahab himself say Babar & Rizwan are fine for 150-160 but not 180+? And now, under his coaching, they’re still opening in a 180+ chase.”
His tweet wasn’t just a dig at the decision—it highlighted a glaring contradiction. Aqib, in 2022, had been vocal about how Babar and Rizwan’s partnership works well for moderate chases but falls short in high-scoring games.
Aqib’s Past Criticism of the Pair
To understand Atiq’s frustration, let’s rewind to Aqib’s earlier comments. In 2022, the former fast bowler criticized the duo for their inability to adapt during bigger chases. He argued that while both players shine individually, their combined approach often leaves the team grappling with a climbing required run rate.
“When we faced Karachi Kings in the PSL and the total was 180+, we didn’t aim to dismiss Babar early. We knew he’d bat at his own pace, making it easier for us to defend,” Aqib had remarked.
Yet here we are, with the same pair trusted to chase down a mammoth target, under Aqib’s own watch.
What’s the Real Issue?
The debate goes beyond one match. Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been instrumental in many of Pakistan’s victories, but their partnership also has limitations. In high-stakes games with tall targets, their methodical approach can become a liability.
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Saim Ayub and Usman Khan, though less experienced, bring explosiveness to the top order. By shuffling them down, Pakistan risks stifling their natural game. Is it time to rethink the reliance on Babar and Rizwan in all situations?
Pakistan’s management faces a tricky question: should the team stick with its trusted pair or embrace a more flexible strategy? While experience matters, adaptability is key in modern T20 cricket.
For now, the criticism surrounding Aqib Javed’s decision will continue to brew, especially if similar decisions cost Pakistan in upcoming matches.
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