CT: Pakistan back Babar Azam as opener despite recent struggles
What's the story
Ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan's head coach Aqib Javed has thrown his weight behind top-order batsman Babar Azam.
This comes despite Babar's recent poor show in a Tri-Series against New Zealand and South Africa.
In the series, Babar managed figures of 10, 23, and 29 across the three matches.
Javed stressed that the team management continues to have faith in Babar's capability to provide important performances during powerplay overs when fielding restrictions are most favorable.
Here's more.
Confidence
Coach Javed dismisses concerns over Babar's form
In a post-match press conference, Javed dismissed concerns about Babar's form as insignificant.
He underscored the batsman's experience and past performances, expressing faith in his ability to regain his rhythm in high-pressure matches.
"Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, Babar had to bat in the first over in all games. We wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay," Aqib said, during the post-match press conference
Performance review
Babar's performance in tri-series raises eyebrows
Babar's performance in the recent Tri-Series has been a talking point.
He could only score 62 runs in three matches, with his highest score being 29 against New Zealand in the final on February 14.
Despite these struggles, especially against pace bowling during powerplay overs, Pakistan's leadership is determined to keep him at the top of the order for the upcoming Champions Trophy.
Captain's backing
Team captain Rizwan supports Babar as opener
Pakistan's team captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has also thrown his weight behind Babar.
He hinted that the team is likely to stick with the opening pair of Babar and Fakhar Zaman in the Champions Trophy.
The endorsement comes despite former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez's recommendation to drop Babar as an opener after his dismal show in the ODI Tri-Series final against New Zealand on February 14.
Tournament anticipation
Babar's form crucial as Pakistan co-hosts Champions Trophy
As Pakistan gears up to co-host the Champions Trophy and take on New Zealand in the opening match on February 19, all eyes will be on Babar to find his top form again.
The former captain remains an integral part of Pakistan's batting line-up, and his performance will be instrumental in determining the course of their campaign.
Meanwhile, as an opener, Babar has scored just 88 runs in five innings, at 17.60, (HS: 29).
Joint-fastest
Babar Azam becomes joint-fastest to 6,000 ODI runs
Babar reached a major career milestone, scoring his 6,000th ODI run in the tri-series final against New Zealand on February 14.
Babar achieved the feat in his 123rd inning (126th match), becoming the joint-fastest player alongside former South African opener Hashim Amla to reach the landmark.
However, he was sent back by Nathan Smith after scoring 29 off 34 balls as Pakistan were folded for 242.
Meanwhile, NZ won by five wickets thanks to Daryl Mitchell and Tom Latham's fifties.
Stats
Babar averages 55.73 in ODIs
With his score of 29 runs, the Pakistan batter now owns 6,019 runs at an average of 55.73.
As mentioned in 126 ODIs, he has managed a strike rate of 88.13, alongside 19 tons and 34 fifties.
Additionally, he boasts a high score of 158 which he smashed against England in 2021. Notably, 1,533 of his ODI runs have come at home.
According to ESPNcricinfo, Babar owns the most ODI runs for Pakistan among active players and stands 11th overall.