Former captain of the Pakistan team, Shoaib Malik, urged the national team to make some strategic changes in the batting and bowling line of the team, following the tough series loss against England.
In a recent tweet, Malik emphasised the importance of resilience, reflecting on past challenges the team had overcome.
“Tough series! Remember: we’ve been in tough spots before & came out stronger,” Shoaib tweeted.
Malik specifically addressed Babar Azam, the captain of the team, to bring a change in the batting order while urging the latter to play at no. 3. This recommendation shows Malik’s belief in Babar Azam to manage the innings in the middle overs.
“IMO [In my opinion] Babar should bat at no 03! We need someone in the middle overs to rotate strike, you are our best option, with your guidance our middle order will do a lot better,” Malik added.
The seasoned all-rounder also urged Azam Khan and Shadab Khan to retain their confidence and play with heart. He also mentioned the importance both the players carry for the Pakistan team.
“Azam and Shadab, you two are vital for our team, don’t lose confidence, play with heart, you are match winners. Going into the World Cup, keep your morale high, we’ve got this,” he tweeted.
This suggestion by the former captain ahead of the T20 World Cup is to boost the morale and confidence of the team after their 2-0 defeat in the four-match series against England.
Meanwhile, Babar Azam reflected on the defeat against England in the fourth T20I on Thursday and asked the middle-order batters to do better.
“First six overs, we played very well. After that, the momentum shifted as wickets fell. Our middle-order needs to step up. You need 2-3 good overs in the middle and in the death as well. England’s bowling was very good. Hopefully, we don’t do this in the World Cup. We made a couple of changes due to the injuries. Our powerplay was good. We have played good cricket in patches, “said Babar at the post-match presentation after the fourth T20I.
Pakistan team will be playing their first match of the T20 World Cup 2024 against the USA on, Thursday, June 6 in Dallas, USA.
- Shoaib Malik
