WATCH: Doull, Sohail clash on air over Babar Azam's strike rate

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A heated discussion between Simon Doull and Aamer Sohail took place on-air over strike rate of Babar Azam during the second T20I game between Pakistan and Afghanistan at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. 

The argument began when Doull, expressed his opinion that Pakistan Skipper, Babar Azam, should not open for the team in T20Is, and that Saim and Haris should open with Rizwan instead.

ALSO READ: Nation will respect Babar, Rizwan more after this series: Shadab Khan

"Babar Azam is hands down the best #3 batsman in the world. He should not open for Pakistan. Saim and Haris should open with Rizwan in T20Is." he said.

Former Pakistan cricketer and commentator, Aamer Sohail, challenged Doull's statement and argued that T20 teams are selected based on averages rather than strike rates, emphasizing that averages hold more significance than strike rates.

"The T20 teams are selected on the basis of averages and not strikerates. The averages are more important than strikerates," he said. 

 The 56-year-old, also cited Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, two of the best T20 players in the world, as examples of players who have a relatively lower strike rate but a higher average.

"I dont care about the strike-rate, I look for the average. If you talk about best players in T20I like Chris Gayle and AB De Villiers, what is the strike-rate between 135 and 137?" Aamer questioned.

Doull corrected Sohail by stating that Chris Gayle's strike rate is 158 and AB De Villiers' strike rate is 145. Sohail then mentioned that AB De Villiers' strike rate is around 137, to which Doull asked, "What's Babar's strike rate?" Sohail did not respond directly to the question and said, "last time I checked...." before concluding his point.

 

Doull, Sohail clash on air over Babar Azam's strike rate 👀#AFGvPAKpic.twitter.com/YlZlqwqprb

— Cricket Pakistan (@cricketpakcompk) March 27, 2023

Yesterday, Pakistan were defeated by Afghanistan in the second match by seven wickets. Pakistan scored 130 runs after losing six wickets in the first innings.

All-rounder Imad Wasim played a crucial knock and went on to score 55-ball 62 runs, including three fours and two sixes.

In response, Afghanistan successfully chased down the target with just one ball remaining in the final innings.

Najibullah Zadran and Mohammad Nabi emerged as the match winners, playing crucial cameos to make history for their team by winning their first ever T20I series against Pakistan.