Babar To Replace Saim As Opener? Pakistan's Probable Batting Order For Champions Trophy

Babar should open if Saim Ayub gets ruled out [Source: @SalmanAsif2007, @BabarAzam_152/X]

Pakistan have suffered a massive setback ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025, with their in-form opener Saim Ayub sustaining an ankle injury. Saim, who looked in great rhythm during Pakistan's white-ball matches against South Africa, developed an ankle injury in the Test series. 

According to the latest reports, Saim Ayub has yet to recover from the injury and is doubtful for the Champions Trophy. In such a scenario, the hosts are planning to recall either Shan Masood or Imam-ul-Haq for the showpiece event. 

However, this could be a backward step and might affect Pakistan's overall performance, as the southpaws haven't played ODI for quite a while now. Both players featured in an ODI back in 2023 and haven't represented Pakistan's 50-over side since then. 

Thus, as injury threat looms over Saim Ayub, let's analyse and find out their probable batting unit for the Champions Trophy. 

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Top Order: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam

Why Should Pakistan Promote Babar Azam If Saim Ayub Gets Ruled Out?

Pakistan's star batter Babar Azam generally bats at number three in the ODI team. However, he has the experience of opening in white-ball cricket, having opened the innings in T20Is and Pakistan Super League. 

Considering Abdullah Shafique's vulnerability against the moving ball and recent poor form, it will be a logical call if Pakistan promote Babar Azam one place up and allow him to open in the Champions Trophy. 

Babar is a solid player against the new ball and with Fakhar Zaman likely to play the aggressor's role, the former captain can complement him and build a solid foundation for his side. Promoting Babar to open the innings will also vacate a spot in the middle order, where Pakistan can fit someone like Tayyab Tahir, who has enjoyed stellar success in List-A cricket. 

Thus, Babar should be the ideal candidate to replace Saim at the top, with Kamran Ghulam batting at number three. 

Middle Order: Mohammad Rizwan, Tayyab Tahir, Agha Salman, Aamir Jamal

Pakistan's captain Mohammad Rizwan should bat at his preferred number four position, where he has amassed 1719 ODI runs at an average of 49.11 and a strike rate of 89.39. The keeper-batter should be followed by Tayyab Tahir and all-rounders Agha Salman and Aamir Jamal. 

Besides scoring valuable runs lower down the order, Agha Salman can be effective with his off-spin on spin-friendly pitches. Meanwhile, Jamal should be preferred over Irfan Khan, who has failed miserably as a finisher in ODI cricket. Jamal is a clean striker of the ball and can also chip in with a few overs of medium pace. 

Pakistan's Probable Top 7 For Champions Trophy 2025 (If Saim Ayub Gets Ruled Out)

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Tayyab Tahir, Agha Salman, Aamir Jamal

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