![Babar could be a candidate to replace Saim [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1758183628014_saim_babar(1)(1).jpg?type=hq)
Babar could be a candidate to replace Saim [Source: AFP]
On Wednesday, Pakistan registered a clinical victory over the UAE, qualifying for the Super Four stage of the Asia Cup 2025. After posting 146 runs on the board, Pakistan restricted the home team to 105, winning the game by 41 runs. Despite Pakistan's convincing win, Saim Ayub's worrying form continues to be a massive concern for them.
Saim Ayub's Poor Returns In Asia Cup Calls For A Change
Hailed for his scintillating stroke play, Saim Ayub has been far from his best in the Asia Cup 2025. The southpaw has recorded three consecutive ducks, letting Pakistan down in the multinational event.
Although Ayub has bagged six wickets in three matches, he has been mediocre in his primary role of an opener. His overall record also highlights mediocrity, as he has managed only 816 runs at an average of 20.9 and a strike rate of 136.
So, with Saim Ayub not living up to the expectations, here are three players whom Pakistan can try at the opening slot before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Babar Azam
Why could Pakistan bring Babar Azam back as Saim Ayub's replacement?
Experience and overall record
- Babar Azam has been Pakistan's most successful batter in T20 Internationals, amassing 4223 runs at a superb average of 39.8 and a strike rate of 129.2. He is one of their most experienced batters and hence can add immense value to the team in next year's T20 World Cup.
Can ensure a steady start for Pakistan
- Babar Azam played his last T20I match on December 13, 2024, after which Pakistan discarded him from their plans due to his strike rate woes. However, this move backfired on the Men in Green, making their opening pair less reliable and more volatile.
- Statistically, since Babar's last T20I match, Pakistan's openers have scored 459 runs at a horrible average of 20.86. Although they have batted with a more positive intent, they need more stability than explosiveness to compensate for their vulnerable middle-order, which is still a work in progress.
- So, given that Babar Azam can at least ensure a decent platform for their stroke-players, it won't be surprising if Pakistan recall the veteran batter to their T20I setup after the Asia Cup.
Khawaja Nafay
Why could Pakistan bring Khawaja Nafay as Saim Ayub's replacement?
- Khawaja Nafay is regarded as one of the cleanest strikers in the Pakistani domestic circuit. He can capitalise on the field restrictions and frustrate the opposition with scintillating stroke play.
- He recently showcased his batting excellence in the Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), scoring 201 runs at an average of 40.20 and a strike rate of 142.55. He hammered a blistering 26-ball 51 in one of the two matches he got in the PSL 2025 before slamming 61 runs off just 31 balls for Pakistan Shaheens against Bangladesh-A in the Top End T20 series.
- So, if Nafay continues to shine with the bat, Pakistan might consider giving him an opportunity at the highest level before the T20 World Cup.
Yasir Khan
Why could Pakistan bring Yasir Khan as Saim Ayub's replacement?
| Criterion | In PSL 2025 | In T20 cricket |
| Innings | 7 | 45 |
| Runs | 226 | 1152 |
| Average | 32.28 | 26.18 |
| Strike Rate | 166.17 | 141.34 |
(Yasir Khan has been a proven performer in T20s)
- Yasir Khan was one of the most impressive performers for Multan Sultans in the PSL 2025. In seven innings, the swashbuckling batter smashed 226 runs at an average of 32.28 and a strike rate of 166.17.
- Yasir has had a decent T20 career, averaging more than Saim Ayub and striking at a better rate than the current opener after 45 outings. So, if Saim doesn't regain his mojo in the Asia Cup, Yasir can be an option worth considering for Pakistan to replace him in T20Is.
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