Uthappa suggests Pakistan should open with Fakhar Zaman

Rizwan struggled to get going against India [PC: Twitter]

Former Indian cricketer Robin Uthappa has opined that Pakistan should shuffle their batting order and open with Fakhar Zaman. He added that over-dependence on openers, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, haunts the Men In Green's chances in T20Is, especially while batting first. Shifting either Rizwan or Babar to No.3 would strengthen the inexperienced middle-order.

Pakistan was handed a five-wicket defeat by India in the second game of the Asia Cup, courtesy of a brilliant all-round performance by Hardik Pandya. The Babar Azam-led side fell short of a competitive total to bundle out on 147. 

Fakhar will bring the right-left hand combination into play

Uthappa further added that making Fakhar open will bring the right-left hand combination into play. Ex-Pakistan coach, Mickey Arthur, also agreed with Uthappa's suggestion as it will force the bowlers to change their angles--

"It is the different angles, you've got a left-hand and a right-hand. So, spread Babar and Rizwan and you put Fakhar Zaman back at the top."

Pakistan need to find a template, batting first

Iftikhar played a good cameo

Uthappa also said that Pakistan are yet to find a template while batting first. They have been exceptional while chasing but do not have a set approach when setting a target.

"They have a pattern for the first six overs, and after that, they are searching, they are not really sure what they are doing."

Pakistan have been over-reliant on their captain and wicket-keeper duo in T20Is. They have scored about 67.5% of the runs Pakistan have scored since the T20 World Cup 2021. The Green Shirts need to solve their middle-order woes going forward in the tournament.

Also Read: Asia Cup 2022: Babar Azam hails youngsters Shahnawaz Dahani, Naseem Shah

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