'The team combination is ruined' - Kamran Akmal slams Pakistan for making Babar Azam open in tri-series opener
Babar has opened the batting only thrice in his ODI career up until now.
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The form of Babar Azam has played a crucial role in results that Pakistan have achieved across all formats. When it comes to the 50-over format, he has undoubtedly been an integral piece of the national setup over the years. With time, he has made the No. 3 spot his own; in addition to cementing his place as a sure shot regular in the side. Meanwhile, the recently concluded game against New Zealand in the Tri Nation Series was only the third instance of the ace batter opening the batting in ODIs.
Former Pakistani wicketkeeper-batter, Kamran Akmal, recently expressed his views on the team management's decision in relation to Babar getting slotted up top.
"You are making Babar open. With this decision, the team combination is ruined, and so is Babar's confidence," shared Kamran in a video posted on his official YouTube channel.
The unfamiliarity during his 23-ball 10-run knock was quite evident. While his opening partner, Fakhar Zaman, was quite successful in getting off the blocks in a prompt manner in a bid to get off to a positive start to chase down the 331-run target, Babar looked quite out of sorts. It would have been a flawless start to Pakistan's powerplay, had Babar not chipped a rather innocuous Michael Bracewell delivery to square leg off the final delivery of the 10th over.
The previous occurrence of Babar opening the batting before the series opener of the tri-series was during the four-match ODI series against England, way back in November 2015. He recorded scores of four and 22, respectively.
Coming to the Pakistan-New Zealand game, the hosts ended up succumbing to a 78-run loss. Other than Fakhar, no other batter could cross the 40-run mark, with the Men in Green getting skittled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
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