ISLAMABAD: Following Pakistan’s disappointing 78-run loss to New Zealand in the opening match of the tri-nation series, passionate cricket fans in Pakistan have voiced their concerns about the team’s performance, calling for batting maestro Babar Azam to take the No. 3 spot.
They suggested that Fakhar Zaman should be paired with either Rizwan, Saud Shakil or Usman Khan in the tri-series and later for the Champions Trophy.
Frustrated by the defeat, fans emphasise the urgent need for a regular spinner along Abrar, while also stressing the importance of building solid partnerships during the middle overs. They believe it’s important to maximise the use of all 50 overs to properly conclude the innings.
As the tri-nation series unfolds from February 8 to 14, it presents a golden opportunity for teams to gear up for the Champions Trophy 2025, taking place from February 19 to March 9. Excited Pakistani fans, still buzzing from the Black Caps’ victory over their national team in the series opener, are rallying for the inclusion of promising young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.
“With the deadline for final squad submissions for the Champions Trophy set for February 11, 2025, Pakistan has plenty of time to integrate Sufiyan into the lineup. The playing conditions in both Pakistan and Dubai are always favourable for spinners,” remarked Rizwan Anjum, a passionate cricket aficionado from Islamabad.
As the tri-nation series (February 8-14) is happening, it’s a chance for the teams to get ready for the Champions Trophy 2025 (February 19-March 9). After watching the first match of the series, where New Zealand beat Pakistan, many excited Pakistani fans believe that young spinner Sufiyan Muqeem should be added to the team in the Champions trophy.
Rizwan Anjum, a devoted cricket enthusiast hailing from Islamabad, remarked, “With the deadline for submitting the final squad for the Champions Trophy set for February 11, 2025, Pakistan has ample opportunity to integrate Sufiyan into the lineup. The spin-friendly conditions in Pakistan and Dubai are a perfect match for slow bowlers.”
Atif Bhatti, another avid cricket enthusiast, shared his thoughts with We News English regarding the selection for the tri-series and Champions Trophy team, expressed confidence in the choices made but emphasised the importance of allowing Babar Azam to take on the No. 3 batting position.
“Fakhar Zaman’s prowess as an opener is unquestionable, but with him, Pakistan has a wealth of options including Usman Khan, Muhammad Rizwan, or Saud Shakil,” he remarked. He also suggested that Faheem Ashraf should be given a chance to prove himself in the tri-series prior to the Champions Trophy, as his place in the squad already raises significant questions.
Reflecting on the 78-run setback in the opening match of the tri-nation series against New Zealand, cricket lover Kashif Saeed pointed out several factors contributing to Pakistan’s downfall. He emphasised the frailty of the middle order, expressing the urgent need for the team to capitalise all 50 overs. Our batters need to convert 30’s into 50’s and 50’s into 100. He noted that the fast bowling lineup, including Shaheen Shah Afridi, was not performing at peak form, as evidenced by Afridi yielding 88 runs in his allotted 10 overs. With Pakistan allowing a staggering 330 runs, chasing down a total exceeding 300 is always a daunting task, particularly when the batting lineup is known for its unpredictability.
Saeed expressed that when it comes to the batting lineup, we ought to have stuck with the team that triumphed over Australia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa on their own turf. “It’s baffling to me why our performance at home hasn’t measured up. While I anticipated a challenge from the Black Caps, I never envisioned such a staggering loss by 78 runs. I propose we give Faheem Ashraf or Usman Khan a shot in the upcoming match against South Africa, sidelining Khushdil Shah,” he remarked adding Pakistan should improve fielding as well.
In light of Pakistan’s batting woes, ardent supporter Dr. Nauman Iftikhar emphasised the crucial importance of forging robust partnerships. “When the wickets tumble, it’s imperative that we establish partnerships to steady the innings,” he stated, noting that two middle-order batsmen must anchor the game through the 40-45 overs in this tri-nations series and later in Champions Trophy, laying down a strong foundation for an aggressive finish in the death overs.
As Pakistan shifts its focus to the upcoming match, New Zealand is set to clash with South Africa in the second encounter of the tri-nation series at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Monday.
Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
