In T20 Cricket, Ideally, you’d want to give your best batters the chance of facing the most deliveries, giving them more opportunities to make an impact on the game. In Pakistan’s case, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are their best batters. As a result, both are up as openers. Together, the pair has done some incredible things, including some incredible partnerships together. However, there has also been a fair amount of criticism on the pair.

A common issue for them is strike-rate. Both batters are very similar. They play normal cricketing shots, are right-handed, take time to settle and play the anchor role. The anchor role allows them to bat with immense consistency, but it also does not allow them to make use of the powerplay, which is a criminal error in T20 Cricket. While both batters are averaging well, neither can be seen as a player in the form of their life yet.

While the pair likes to start slow, and settle into their innings, the style may not work well for the team if both are opening. In most cases, it leaves the middle-order with too much to do, and too little time to do so. As a result, the middle-order doesn’t get too many opportunities, and when they do, they are under immense pressure, struggling, making the middle-order look weaker than it actually is.

The middle-orders struggles are evident. It has been an issue through the World Cup and Asia Cup. A factor not highlighted though, is the top-order, which is making things tougher for the middle-order. While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are great batters, the pair may be better suited if they spread themselves across the line-ups. Putting a dashing opener in one of their places gives to benefits. The first would be a chance to make use of the powerplay. An attacking opener will help put pressure on the bowling unit, allowing the other batter to settle with ease.

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Another benefit is the strengthening of the middle-order. While one of the sides best batters plays in the top, another moving to three will allow Pakistan to have one of their best players through the innings. The option allows them to use their resources while having a solid batter in the crease, playing with less pressure as well. With Shan Masood, Pakistan has some left hand variety in their line-up.

While the pair are unlikely to break up in this tournament, the move is one for consideration after the World Cup. For now, Pakistan are in a peculiar position. They have to win their remaining games and hope other results go their way. They face South Africa now, and Pakistan will hope their top order fires. With their bowling attack, Pakistan have enough to compete, but will need to step up from the batting front as they look to keep their hopes alive.