NEW DELHI: Pakistan cricketer
Shoaib Malik
has voiced strong criticism of the team management following Pakistan’s 23-run defeat to England in the second T20I on Saturday. The loss in Birmingham leaves the Babar Azam-led side trailing 0-1 in the four-match series after the first T20I was washed out.
Malik, observing Pakistan’s performance, suggested several changes to the batting order.
He emphasized that
international cricket
demands a different approach compared to domestic leagues like the
Pakistan Super League
(PSL).
The 42-year-old proposed that
Fakhar Zaman
should open the innings with Mohammad Rizwan, followed by
Babar Azam
, Iftikhar Ahmed, Imad Wasim, and Shadab Khan.
On his X handle, Malik wrote: “This is not PSL, this is international cricket that too, just before the T20 World Cup. IMO, the batting order should be… Fakhar, Rizwan, Babar Azam, Iftikhar, Imad, Shadab. Captain needs to utilize the options on the bench wisely.”
Malik also stressed the importance of giving finishers like Azam Khan and Iftikhar Ahmed adequate time in the middle. He argued that expecting them to start scoring at a high rate immediately is unrealistic and unfair.
“Moving forward, the captain should give time & enough overs to Azam & Iftikhar to settle first, expecting them to score 12-14 right away is unfair. All the best for the remaining matches!!!” Malik added.
As Pakistan gears up for the remaining matches in the series and the upcoming T20 World Cup, Malik’s comments highlight the need for strategic adjustments to enhance the team’s performance on the international stage.
