Aqib Javed expressed his strong belief in Babar Azam's ability to lead the team from the top of the order
15 February, 2025
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PHOTO: PCB
Pakistan's head coach, Aqib Javed, has expressed his strong belief in Babar Azam's ability to lead the team from the top of the order.
He stated, "I believe Babar Azam should open in these conditions. I am hopeful that he will play a big innings in important match." Aqib’s comments come as part of his overall strategy for the team, focusing on a balanced approach to batting and the crucial middle overs.
Aqib also emphasized the importance of batting between the 11th and 40th overs, a phase he considers vital for building strong partnerships.
"When Pakistan loses early wickets, it puts pressure on the batsmen facing the opposition's spinners," he said, explaining how early dismissals impact the team's performance.
However, he also highlighted that if the top order remains intact, opposition spinners are less likely to dominate.
Reflecting on the team's performance and pitch conditions, Aqib added, "From the start, we could tell that today's pitch wasn't one for big scores, which is why we chose to bat first."
He further noted that had Pakistan managed to reach a score of 270, the result could have been different, emphasizing the need for the top three batsmen to play longer innings on such pitches.
Aqib remains optimistic about Pakistan's future performances.
"This same team will perform very well in the Champions Trophy. After losing one or two matches, people think the team is not good enough, but this team has everything it needs to be at the top," he added.
He also discussed the team's composition, stressing the need for a balance of spin and pace all-rounders.
"We needed spin all-rounders and pace all-rounders, which is why Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf are part of the team. When playing in a tournament, it's important to have variety," he explained.
Aqib Javed also praised Khushdil Shah for his impressive bowling performances in both matches.
"Every team has one specialist spinner and one all-rounder, and Khushdil has bowled well in the previous and today's matches," he further added.
Aqib concluded by saying, "If Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam can form a solid partnership at the top of the order, things will improve greatly."
New Zealand defeated Pakistan by five wickets to claim the tri-nation ODI series at the National Bank Stadium on Friday. Will O’Rourke’s four-wicket haul, along with half-centuries from Daryl Mitchell (57) and Tom Latham (56), guided the Blackcaps to victory.
Chasing 243, New Zealand comfortably reached the target with 28 balls to spare. After an early setback at 5/1, Kane Williamson (34) and Devon Conway (48) steadied the innings. Mitchell and Latham then shared an 87-run partnership to take New Zealand to the brink of victory. Glenn Phillips (20*) finished the job.
Earlier, Pakistan were bowled out for 242, with Mohammad Rizwan top-scoring with 46. O’Rourke’s four wickets and contributions from Mitchell Santner and Michael Bracewell helped New Zealand bowl Pakistan out.
With this win, New Zealand clinched the tri-nation ODI series.
