'Split Babar and Rizwan'- Robin Uthappa advises Pakistan ahead of semifinal

Mohammad Rizwan in action [Source: AP]

Despite being incredibly consistent, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have been subjected to constant scrutiny for their poor strike rates. Also, the pair has completely failed to capitalise on the field restrictions in the ongoing World Cup, leaving Pakistan in disarray in all matches.

On the other hand, promising keeper-batter Mohammad Haris has grabbed many eyeballs following his two breathtaking knocks against South Africa and Bangladesh. 

Considering his impact, former India cricketer Robin Uthappa has suggested Pakistan to promote the swashbuckling batter to the top to exploit the power play in the all-important semifinal. The former KKR great also opined that Pakistan should've taken this step much earlier. 

Here's what Uthappa stated

"I would hundred percent promote Mohammad Haris to the top, especially considering the way he batted in the last two games. Pakistan should have split Babar and Rizwan earlier in the Asia Cup, demoting either of them to number three."

Uthappa's take can be deemed logical, as Babar and Rizwan are slow starters. Also, the demotion of one of them will solidify Pakistan's middle order and allow stroke players like Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz to bat around them. 

Pakistan will lock horns with New Zealand in the first semifinal in Sydney on Wednesday. 

Also Read: T20 World Cup 2022: New Zealand won't underestimate Pakistan: Tim Southee