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Ian Bishop, the former West Indies cricket legend, has urged Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the star openers of Pakistan’s cricket team, to modify their batting approach before their first match in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA. Bishop emphasized the importance of adopting a more aggressive style early in their innings to keep up with the changing demands of T20 cricket.
This adjustment will provide a strong foundation for the Pakistani team in the tournament. It is worth mentioning that Babar and Rizwan were recently reinstated as the opening pair after experimenting with Saim Ayub as Rizwan’s partner in the T20I series against New Zealand.
Ian Bishop cautions Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan about their approach in T20Is.
Although Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been successful as openers for Pakistan in T20I cricket, Ian Bishop, the former West Indies pacer and commentator, believes that a change in their strategy is necessary for the team’s success in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024. Bishop suggests that the Pakistan team management should consider giving opportunities to young players like Ayub and Mohammad Harris, who can bring fresh energy to the top of the batting order.
While acknowledging the experience of Babar and Rizwan, Bishop emphasizes the need for them to adjust their approach to enhance Pakistan’s chances in the tournament. He highlights that their current strike rates may not be sufficient, especially on challenging pitches in the USA and Caribbean, and urges them to increase their pace to establish a strong foundation for the team.
Ian Bishop says they need to revise their strategy for the T20 World Cup 2024.
Ian Bishop remarked on Star Sports: “If you’re asking for my preference versus what will actually happen with Pakistan, I’d say that I want and hope to see players like Saim Ayub and Mohammad Harris in the future. Although Harris isn’t currently in contention, he’s another young talent who was left behind, but I believe he has a future in T20 cricket. These young players are still developing and finding their way.”
The cricket expert added, “So, the experience of Babar and Riwan, they probably will go back there. But again, that’s a template that needs to change with those two players who I think from what we’ve seen T20 cricket going to even in a World Cup of challenging pitches, they need to shift another gear up in the way they approach their batting.”
Notably, during a recent practice session, Babar publicly body-shamed Azam Khan in front of the Pakistan team. The wicketkeeper-batter has frequently faced verbal attacks regarding his weight, but Babar’s disrespectful behavior was unexpected by many, especially just before their T20 World Cup 2024 opener against the USA.
