Srinagar: Former Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik has opened up on the issue of Pakistan opening pair for the upcoming T20 World Cup 2024.
In the series vs Ireland, Pakistan went with the opening pair of Mohammad Rizwan and Saim Ayub. While the youngester failed to contribute much, Babar Azam batting at No.3 position shined alongwith Mohammad Rizwan.
Shoaib Malik now has come up with his suggestions while talking to the group of reporters at New York’s Nassau County International Cricket Stadium, the venue for the T20 World Cup.
“Saim Ayub plays with high-risk and this kind of batter has less chance of being consistent,” Malik said.
“If there are high-scoring matches, Pakistan should open with Saim but if the matches are being played at a par score of 160 and 170, Babar-Rizwan should open”.
Meanwhile, Malik is confident that Pakistan will finish deep in the tournament.
“The players are in good form as we won the series against Ireland recently. If we manage to beat England in the upcoming T20I series, the confidence would be more high,” he added.
Malik was present along with Olympic legend Usain Bolt for the first look of Nassau County International Cricket Stadium.
USA cricketers Corey Anderson and Monank Patel, Sir Curtly Ambrose (West Indies), and Liam Plunkett (England) were also present on this occasion.
New York sports stars which included John Starks (NBA / New York Knicks), Elena Delle Donne (WNBA/USA), Bartolo Colon (MLB/New York Yankees-Mets), Victor Cruz (NFL/New York Giants) and Ibtihaj Muhammad (Fencing/USA) were also part of the special occasion.
The stars all signed a giant cricket bat, which will be present at the venue for all eight ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 matches to be held there between 3-12 June.
The stadium is one of the three venues in the USA, co-hosts alongside the West Indies, for the T20 World Cup.