Pakistan’s Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, the most destructive openingpair at the T20 World Cup, have been described as “unique” by batting coachMatthew Hayden.
The Australian legend should know — over a 15-year international career,left-hander Hayden was a fixture at the top of the order, compiling morethan 8,000 Test runs and over 6,000 in ODIs.
“Babar and Rizwan have created a unique opening for themselves,” Haydentold AFP at the T20 World Cup where Pakistan have already made thesemi-finals with four wins in four games.
“They are very independent players with their own styles but that blend andmix make for the perfect combination.
“They are unique and it’s special to watch the way they have gone aboutplaying in this World Cup. They chased down a target against India forvictory in a perfect run chase, none down for a victory that Pakistan willremember.”
In 2021, skipper Babar and wicketkeeper-batsman Rizwan have amassed 826runs in 14 Twenty20 international partnerships.
They put on an unbroken 152-run stand — their third as an opening pair — asPakistan trounced India in Dubai by 10 wickets — their first win over theirarch-rivals in 13 World Cup matches.
They combined once more for a 113-run stand to anchor Pakistan’s win overNamibia in Abu Dhabi, becoming the first team to reach the semi-finalsafter four wins in as many games.
“We support each other and although we are not power hitters, we have agood record,” Rizwan said after his man-of-the-match 79 not out againstNamibia.
“If I get out early, he is needed to anchor the innings; if he falls, I amgiven the task to carry on.”
Babar has three half centuries at the World Cup and his only failure cameagainst New Zealand when he was dismissed for just nine.
With his run spree — 721 in 21 matches this year — Babar has regained thenumber one spot in the Twenty20 batsmen rankings.
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Rizwan has 951 runs this year in the same number of matches. His average isan astonishing 95.10. Rizwan is now number four in rankings.
“The whole team takes inspiration watching Rizwan bat and it brings usconfidence,” Babar said.
“His commitment and belief is exemplary and I enjoy his company at thecrease.”
Ever since they were asked to open a Twenty20 innings in February, theyhave made the spots their own. As partners, they have shared four centurystands and one partnership of fifty.
They both, however, differ in demeanour. Babar appears the more serious,fitting for the under-pressure status as national captain. Rizwan ischirpy, even sometimes smiling ruefully on his way back to the pavilionafter being dismissed.
While Babar was an early starter in the team, Rizwan had to bide his time.Babar got support at home while Rizwan’s conservative family did not wanthim to play cricket.
Babar made his mark in two Under-19 World Cup editions in 2010 and 2012 —captaining Pakistan in the second. Rizwan had a real struggle to getpicked, waiting five years for his chance after establishing himself as afirst class cricketer of repute.
Once he replaced wicketkeeper Sarfaraz Ahmed in late 2019 he has made thespot his own, shining in all three formats with his best form coming inTwenty20 cricket.
Now both Babar and Rizwan are the heart and soul of the Pakistan team asthey target a second T20 World Cup title.-APP/AFP
