ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Should Babar Azam open the batting for Pakistan?

Babar Azam’s form has been a key factor in Pakistan’s successes across all formats, and his contributions in the 50-over format have been particularly invaluable. Over the years, he has become an indispensable figure in the national team, especially in One Day Internationals. Babar’s consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a fixture in the middle order, with the No. 3 spot being his personal domain. His remarkable batting technique and ability to anchor innings have solidified his place as one of the best in the format. However, in the recently concluded match against New Zealand in the Tri-Nation Series, Babar Azam opened the batting for Pakistan, which was only the third time in his ODI career that he took on this role. This decision by the team management raised eyebrows, as Babar has predominantly batted in the middle order for most of his career.

Kamran Akmal, the former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, recently shared his thoughts on this tactical move. He weighed in on the decision to slot Babar at the top of the order, acknowledging the significance of such a shift. Akmal highlighted that this change could provide flexibility to Pakistan's batting lineup, while also giving Babar the freedom to play his natural game. His views reflect the ongoing discussions about optimizing player roles and team combinations for future success.

"You are making Babar open. With this decision, the team combination is ruined, and so is Babar's confidence," shared former Pakistan cricketer Kamran Akmal in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.

Babar Azam’s unfamiliarity with opening the batting was evident during his 23-ball knock of 10 runs in the recent Tri-Nation Series match against New Zealand. While his opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, quickly found his rhythm and sought to give Pakistan a positive start in pursuit of the 331-run target, Babar struggled to get going. His discomfort at the crease was clear, and his innings came to a premature end when he chipped a harmless delivery from Michael Bracewell to square leg off the final ball of the 10th over. This dismissal could have been avoided, and it marred what otherwise could have been a strong start for Pakistan in their powerplay.

Babar’s previous experience of opening the batting in ODIs dates back to November 2015, during a four-match series against England, where he recorded scores of four and 22. Since then, he has primarily batted at No. 3, establishing himself as a key player in that position. In the game against New Zealand, Pakistan's chase faltered after Babar’s dismissal. The hosts ultimately lost by 78 runs, with Fakhar Zaman being the only batter to cross the 40-run mark. The rest of the lineup struggled, and Pakistan was dismissed for 252 in 47.5 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. It was a disappointing performance for the Men in Green, who will look to regroup ahead of their upcoming matches.