Karachi: Pakistan all-rounder Shoaib Malik has opened up about the debate on who should open for the Men in Green in the 2024 T20 World Cup.
In the series against Ireland, Pakistan played with Saim Ayub and Mohammad Rizwan, while batsman Babar Azam played at No.3. Rizwan hit with two hands and Saim Ayub scored the highest with 45
There are concerns about Saim’s form as a fledgling batsman yet to register a fifty in T20Is, with many critics suggesting a return to the successful opening pair of Babar and Rizwa.
Meanwhile, the former captain gave his two cents on who should open while talking to a group of reporters at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, venue for the T20 World Cup.
“Saim Ayub is playing a high-risk game and there is little chance for that kind of consistency,” Malik said.
“If there is high-scoring match, Pakistan should open with Saim, but if match is tied at 160 and 170, then Babar-Rizwan should open.
Meanwhile, Malik believes Pakistan will finish deep in the tournament.
“The players are in good condition as we won the recent series against Ireland. If we can beat England in the upcoming T20I series, the confidence will be higher,” he said.
Notably, Malik teamed up with Olympic legend Usain Bolt for the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium’s first appearance.
USA Cricketers Corey Anderson and Monak Patel, Sir Kurtley Ambrose (West Indies) and Liam Plunkett (England) also participated.
John Starks (NBA / New York Knicks), Elena Delle Donne (WNBA / USA), Bartolo point (MLB / New York Yankees-Mets), Victor Cruz (NFL / New York Giants) and Ibtihaj Muhammad (New York) sports stars. Thickening / USA) is also part of the special event.
All the stars have signed up for the big cricket tournament, which will host all the matches of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 from June 3-12.
The stadium is one of three venues for the United States to host the T20 World Cup, along with the West Indies.
Nassau County International Cricket Stadium has capacity of 34,000. It is world’s first modular cricket stadium.
The project at Eisenhower Park began in January 2024 and was completed in May.
“Having Kurtley Ambrose, Liam Plunkett, Shoaib Malik, Corey Anderson and Monag Patel here and seeing their response to the stadium and pitch is also special. It gives fans a real insight into what they can expect in the coming months.”
