Babar Azam: All the teams are ready for the Champions Trophy 2025 starting from February 19. The condition of host Pakistan looks bad, as it lost to New Zealand in the final of the Tri-Nation ODI series held before this event. The bat of the team’s biggest match winner Babar Azam remained silent. In the absence of Sam Ayub, he came to open in this series, but flopped. After the 5-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the final, the team’s coach Aaqib Javed made a big statement about Babar Azam.
After losing the final of the Tri-Nation series against New Zealand, Pakistan coach Aaqib Javed made a big revelation on changing Babar’s batting order. Aaqib said, ‘Our logic was that Babar had to open the innings in the series against South Africa. When Saim Ayub got injured, we had to make Babar open in Test cricket as well.
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Head coach Aqib Javed said "I still believe that with the way Babar is playing, he should open on these pitches and make the most of the first 10 overs. Anything longer, he isn't able to play a long innings. I see a sign that in an important game, he is due for a big innings" pic.twitter.com/xHnIOlsUUX
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Will Babar Azam Open In The Champions Trophy?
Aaqib Javed said that initially the pitches were challenging for the batsmen and we thought that our best batsman should face these conditions so that the power play can be used properly. I am confident that Babar will play important innings in big matches. Opening the innings is the right decision for him. It is clear from this statement of the coach that Babar can be seen opening in the Champions Trophy as well.
Scored Only 62 Runs In 3 Matches
In the Tri-Nation ODI series between Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa, Babar Azam opened the innings and scored 62 runs in three matches at an average of 20.66 and his best score came in the final against New Zealand on 14 February, where he was dismissed for 29 and Pakistan lost the final.
Babar’s Form Raised Concerns
Babar Azam’s ODI form has been a matter of concern for some time now. He scored his last century against Nepal in 2023. His average in the last two years is around 38. Now if Pakistan has to perform well in the Champions Trophy 2025, then Babar will have to play big innings by opening the innings. Fans will keep a special eye on this player because he is the star batsman of the host country.
