The move signals a change in direction for Pakistan, with this series their final prep before the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and USA.

The make-up of Pakistan’s batting line-up has long been a point of debate. While the ultra-consistent Babar and Rizwan have scored the bulk of their side’s runs since the latter’s promotion to open in late 2020, there have been grumbles over their scoring rate, leading the Pakistan team management to trial the 22-year-old Ayub as an opener, with Babar and Rizwan both taking turns alongside him.

However, while Ayub and Babar formed a formidable opening partnership for Peshawar Zalmi in this year’s Pakistan Super League, the youngster has been unable to crack international cricket so far. After 21 T20Is he is yet to make a half-century and averages just 15.

The scrutiny over his position had increased. “I don’t think Saim Ayub gives you security,” Ramiz Raja said. “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.”

Opening together for the first time since April last year, Babar and Rizwan put on a brisk opening stand. The pair added 59 inside the powerplay before Babar fell to its final ball, nicking Jofra Archer to a wide slip for 22-ball 36. Rizwan was bowled by an Adil Rashid googly for 23 from 16 in the following over.

His axing means a recall to the side for Usman Khan, who switched allegiance from UAE to Pakistan following a stellar run in the PSL. He is also yet to make a statement score in international cricket, also averaging 15, albeit after only five games. Both Usman and Ayub are in Pakistan’s T20 World Cup squad.

Pakistan also made one forced change to their XI, with all-rounder Imad Wasim missing out due to rib discomfort. Naseem Shah has been called up in his absence, making this the first instance of Pakistan’s feared pace quartet, which also includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Amir, all featuring in the same side.

Pakistan are 1-0 down in the rain-hit series, defeated by 23 runs at Edgbaston. Their T20 World Cup campaign kicks off on Thursday, June 6 against hosts USA.

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Babar AzamMohammad RizwanPakistan cricket newsSeries Editorial