'What benefit did you get after breaking it?' - Ramiz Raja questions intent behind ceding Babar, Rizwan opening pair

Expressing strong disapproval over the decision to break the globally renowned opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan, former Pakistan cricketer and PCB head, Ramiz Raja, questioned the selectors about the perceived benefits following Pakistan's T20I series loss to New Zealand. The series, which saw Pakistan trailing 3-0, witnessed the experimental pairing of Saim Ayub and Mohammed Rizwan as openers.

However, the duo failed to deliver consistent performances. Babar and Rizwan, with a stellar track record, hold the record for the highest T20I runs as a pair, amassing 2,779 runs at an impressive average of 48.75, including nine centuries and 11 fifty-run partnerships. Raja's criticism underlines the strategic misstep that impacted Pakistan's performance in the series.

"So much pressure was created to break the opening pair of Babar and Rizwan. After breaking the opening partnership, which was evaluated based on the strike rate. When you bring in new players, they may perform well in leagues, but international cricket is a different beast where there is pressure, and the focus of the entire world is on you. You broke the opening pair that was famous worldwide," Raja said on his YouTube channel.

"Either you have a workshop of trained openers behind you who are gradually being introduced, when you have no other options. It takes time to form an opening pair. It is not an easy task. So, if you have a pair, and they consistently kept you in the field during matches, what benefit did you get after breaking it?," he added.

Rampant New Zealand bulldozes Pakistan in fourth T20I

In the fourth T20I at Christchurch, New Zealand extended their dominant streak against Pakistan with another commanding victory. Acting captain Mitchell Santner won the toss and elected to field. Despite Mohammad Rizwan's resilient unbeaten innings of 90, Pakistan managed to post 158/5 on a challenging pitch.

New Zealand faced an early scare losing three wickets quickly, but Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell orchestrated an unbeaten partnership of 139 runs for the 4th wicket, propelling the Kiwis to a comprehensive 4-0 lead in the series. The stellar performance showcased New Zealand's prowess and depth in their T20 squad.