As there has been lot of debate about opening pair of Pakistan, I am writing this article to find answers of questions been raised. Interestingly most of the criticism is coming from Pakistan including fans and ex-cricketers while rest of the world is less concerned. So let me start with questions and their answers.
Charge No. 1: Babar is struggling due to Rizwan's strike rate
While we have seen some(not major) slump in babar's form but is it really due to Rizwan's strike rate?
Here are the strike rates of Pakistan openers (Min Qualification 10 innings):
As we can see, on account of 100 balls, there is difference of mere 5.74 runs between Fakhar & Rizwan. It's almost impossible to play 100 balls out of 120. So opener plays really less balls than 100. In the end it makes difference of just 1 to 2 runs approximately. So does it makes sense to accommodate someone at the top who will score 2-3 runs more at the expense of 1/3rd of stability Rizwan provides?
Charge No. 2: Pakistan cannot make big score with these openers.
Let's see Pakistan's highest scores in T20I's and who was openers, and what was there performances:
Babar and Rizwan were not only the openers in 3 of 5 of these matches, but they both scored 50+ runs in all these matches. Babar is involved in 4th match as well, and even performed when Fakhar departed early.
Charge No. 3: Rizwan and Babar does stat padding.
Let's see are there runs beneficial for team or not?
When Rizwan and Babar performs, there is much better chance of Pakistan's winning. About 70 & 75 percent runs of Babar & Rizwan have come in winning cause. And when they do not perform, chances of Pakistan's defeat also increases. So their performance and long stay is directly proportional to Pakistan's victory chances.
Charge No. 4: Babar's performance has gone done since taking charge of captaincy
Let's see his stats with and without captain:
Yes his average has gone down a bit, But by no means 38 is a bad number in T20I. His strike rate has increased lately, Plus he was able to score 2 centuries being as captain as well.
Charge No. 5: Babar should leave opening and bat in middle order
How many times he have batted in the middle order?
While Babar has hardly bated below no.3 in his career in both domestic and International T20I's. As we know his power hitting ability is limited, and he is a proper batsman with textbook shots. So in my opinion it will be more difficult for him play in middle order with better strike rate. As the legend says "Don't fix something that's not broken"
Some records of Babar & Rizwan
- Top 5 Highest opening partnerships from Pakistan are all between Rizwan & Babar. And Pakistan has won all of these matches.
- Rizwan & Babar pair has highest no of 100+ partnerships i.e 8. Next best are India's Rohit Sharma & KL Rahul with 5 century partnerships.
- Muhammad Rizwan & Babar azam also holds the record for most runs (2327) in partnerships with average of 51.71.
- Muhammad Rizwan has won 10 Man of Match awards from Pakistan in 75 matches. Which means he won man of the match award after every 7.5 match, which is best ratio from Pakistan. And better then few of the world greats like Warner, Kohli, Gayle.
- Muhammad Rizwan & Babar Azam are only Pakistan batters other than Misbah Ul Haq to hold World No.1 T20I position.
- Babar Azam held No.1 T20I position for longest period in the world.
- Rizwan & Babar Azam feature at 4th & 6th spot for All time T20I ratings.
- Muhammad Rizwan has 2nd best average(74.68) in matches wins worldwide.
Credits : Getty
Bottomline : While Babar & Rizwan have struggled in opening 2 matches of World T20 Cup in Australia. But I still feel they are the best available choice for Pakistan. Pakistan do not luxury of players like Butler, Warner, Roy, or Gayle warming the bench.
Article written on 28 Oct 2022. Stats & Records might differ after this date.
