‘Babar dropping down to number three’ – Shahid Afridi suggests changes in Pakistan’s batting order

Shahid Afridi and Babar Azam. (Photo Source: X(Twitter)

The mega cricket showdown T20 World Cup 2024 is already in full swing, hence it would be safe to say that the Babar Azam-led Pakistan have had a forgettable campaign so far. Having played two games in the tournament, Pakistan have faced defeats in both matches that they have played.

Pakistan faced the USA in their first game, where they lost the game to a super over. Furthermore, they failed to chase the target against India in a low-scoring thriller. Speaking of the side’s performances, former Pakistan cricketer Shahid Afridi came forward to propose some changes to Pakistan’s batting order. Afridi opined that Fakhar Zaman should open the innings for Pakistan, with Babar Azam moving down to the third position.

“I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan,” Afridi told the ICC.

“Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three,” Afridi added.

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There are some tough conversations and choices to come: Afridi

Furthermore, Shahid Afridi highlighted how there will be some tough choices for the management to make going forward. However, he revealed that there is still hope for Pakistan and that they are not eliminated from the tournament just yet.

“There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet,” Afridi said.

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Besides, the former world champion also gave his take on the side’s performance against the Indian team, where Pakistan failed to chase down a target of 120 runs in the second innings, winning a crucial game.

“The key difference between the two teams was India’s consistency, self-belief, discipline and attitude on the field. The Pakistan batting line-up simply isn’t clicking and what we saw was a weak display of power hitting,” he said.