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'Don't Think Saim Ayub Gives Security' - Ramiz Raja Opposes Changing Babar-Rizwan Opening Pair

Babar-Rizwan opening partnership has been broken due to Saim Ayub (x.com)Babar-Rizwan opening partnership has been broken due to Saim Ayub (x.com)

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has voiced his disapproval of Pakistan's choice to substitute the Babar Azam-Mohammad Rizwan opening partnership with Saim Ayub joining the mix. 

In the current series against Ireland, it is Ayub who partnered with Rizwan at the top of the order. Babar Azam has opted to bat at number three. 


Ramiz Raja says No to Ayub-Rizwan opening

Babar Azam and Rizwan formed the opening partnership for Pakistan in T20s for an extended period. Commentator Ramiz Raja opposes this new setup where Saim Ayub comes as opener. 

He remains critical even though Saim Ayub showcased a strong performance in the match where Ireland defeated Pakistan, scoring 45 runs from 29 balls. But in the second game where Pakistan won, he was out for 6 runs. 

“Another thing they need to look at is their opening pair. I don’t think Saim Ayub gives you security. He shows flashes of brilliance, but you have to show sustainable flashes of brilliance. If you’re not scoring 50 off 30 balls these days, it means you opening and breaking a registered pair of Babar and Rizwan is not worth it"- Raja said in his YouTube  channel.

Ayub emerged onto the international scene for Pakistan following his standout performance in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2023. He partnered with Babar in opening for Peshawar Zalmi, scoring 341 runs in the tournament with a strike rate of 165.53.

He continued his good form this year, finishing as the fifth-highest run-scorer. However, his T20I debut saw him struggling, with an average of 15.88 and a strike rate of 131.06 in the format.

Pakistan's new coach Gary Kirsten has a big call to make for the World Cup in selecting the openers.