PAK vs NZ: "They Should Have Done It Since The Asia Cup"- Robin Uthappa Feels Pakistan Should Split Babar Azam And Mohammad Rizwan

Led by Babar Azam, after losing their first two games in the league round of the current T20 World Cup 2022, Pakistan turned their luck around and advanced to the semifinals.

As a stroke of good fortune, the Netherlands’ victory over South Africa allowed the Babar Azam-led team to advance. Pakistan took advantage of it, trounced Bangladesh, and moved on to the semifinals. 

But it wasn’t a simple victory. Pakistan nearly failed in the 128-run chase, but ultimately prevailed with over two overs remaining and five wickets still standing. Pakistan’s inning was opened by the opening combination of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, but they never got going.

Robin Uthappa Wants Mohammad Haris To Open The Innings For Pakistan

Although they needed 63 deliveries in all, the two batters did score 57 runs for the first wicket. Mohammad Rizwan went out after making a run-a-ball 32 while Azam was dismissed for a 33-ball 25. 

In light of Muhammad Haris’ recent inclusion and his rapid run-scoring, veteran Indian hitter Robin Uthappa feels Babar Azam should be starting the innings with Haris before Pakistan’s semifinal match against New Zealand. He said: 

“Especially with the way he is batting right now,100%. They should have done it since the Asia Cup.”

The Pakistani openers had previously had trouble getting going. Babar Azam really reached a double-digit score for the first time in this competition. In his first five matches, the Pakistani skipper has scored 0,4,4,9, and 25 points.

Many have advised the Pakistani captain to drop down to No. 3 and open the innings with someone more flashy because Azam is having trouble getting going.

I Think Babar Azam’s Men Will Go Unchanged Against New Zealand: Robin Uthappa

However, Uthappa believes Pakistan won’t make any changes in the next game. He stated: 

“I think they will go unchanged into it. I guess the top order is not firing. But I don’t think they will make any changes there. I think it will stay as it is. Haris at 3, and then Shan Masood at 4 and then Iftikhar and all.” 

Notably, Pakistan will take on New Zealand in the first semifinal of the T20 World Cup 2022 on 9 November.   

Also Read:IND vs ENG: “Let’s Not Fool Ourselves”- Aakash Chopra Discusses India’s Issues Before The Semifinals