Following Pakistan's Super Over defeat to the USA and their failure to chase a modest target against India in the T20 World Cup 2024, former captain Shahid Afridi has proposed crucial adjustments to the team's lineup.
Afridi emphasized the necessity for changes in the playing XI to boost their performance. He specifically recommended promoting Fakhar Zaman to open alongside Mohammad Rizwan while shifting Babar Azam to number three to reinforce the batting order.
"I think now is the time for Gary Kirsten and Babar Azam to make some changes. I would like to see Salman Ali Agha [he is not part of the T20 World Cup squad] come into the side in place of Usman Khan and Abrar Ahmed to come in for Shadab Khan. Most of all, I believe Fakhar Zaman should be promoted to open the innings alongside Mohammad Rizwan, with Babar dropping down to number three," Shahid wrote in the ICC column.
Pakistan's hopes of progressing to the Super 8 stage now depend on the USA losing their upcoming matches, along with Pakistan winning their remaining games convincingly to improve their net run rate. Afridi encouraged the team to stay optimistic as they prepare to face Canada in their next match in New York on Tuesday.
"There are some tough conversations and choices to come but we need to remember that there is still hope: Pakistan are not out of the tournament yet," Afridi added.
With these suggested changes, Afridi aims to provide the team with a better structure and increase their chances of success in the remaining matches.
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