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If Not Imam, Who Can Open With Babar For Pakistan's Clash Vs India In Champions Trophy?

Anurag Dasgupta

Who will open alongside Babar Azam [Source: AP Photo]Who will open alongside Babar Azam [Source: AP Photo]

Pakistan are in turmoil ahead of their clash Vs India in the Champions Trophy 2025. After losing against New Zealand in a one-sided fashion, Pakistan lost their star opener Fakhar Zaman to injury as the batter was ruled out of the event and Imam-ul-Haq was announced as his replacement.

However, will Imam play against India in a do-or-die match is still unclear, however, Pakistan do have other options to explore when it comes to the opening slot. The India clash is a must-win encounter for the hosts and for that, they need to be at their best. Ahead of the match, we look at players who can open the innings at the top alongside Babar.

Imam-ul-Haq's ODI stats

Criterion
Data
Matches72
Runs3138
Average48.27
50s/100s9/20

The obvious choice to open the innings for Pakistan alongside Babar Azam, Imam has the numbers to back the statement. In 72 ODI matches, the left-handed batter has racked up 3138 runs at 48.27.

Imam has prior experience of opening the batting for Pakistan and shares a good camaraderie with best friend, Babar Azam, something which could benefit the Pakistan team against India. However, there is one thing which goes against Imam, and it will be explained in the next point.

1) The surprise pick - Usman Khan

Usman Khan stats as opener/number 3 in T20s

Criterion
Data
Matches62
Runs1724
Strike-Rate145.48

If Imam and Babar do open, it will make the Pakistan opening one-dimensional. Both the openers will be anchors and this will play in India's hands. Fakhar was an aggressive batter and was the X-factor who could have troubled Indian bowlers.

However, to nullify that, Pakistan could turn to Usman Khan, who is a naturally aggressive batter and can be the one to take down the Indian attack, something which the Pakistan batters lack at the moment. He hasn't played any ODI matches, but in T20s, he strikes at 145, and this could be the difference maker between a decent start and a flying start to the innings.

2) Persist with Saud Shakeel

Pakistan in the last match opened with Saud Shakeel, a move which failed to deliver the goods. Chasing 321, Babar and Saud gave a slow start and it hampered their innings.

Pakistan, however, have a liking towards Saud Shakeel and his batting and don't be surprised if they do back him to open Vs India. The move could be a risky one, and could either be a big hit, or could be a massive flop.