Shoaib Malik reveals his ideal opening pair for T20 World Cup 2024

• Shoaib Malik suggests Saim Ayub as opener.
• Malik acknowledges Saim Ayub's high-reward playing style.
• Pakistan's World Cup journey begins on June 6.

Experienced Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik has offered his perspective on Pakistan’s opening pair for the forthcoming T20 World Cup, which is set to occur in the USA and West Indies in the following month.

During a press conference at the Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in New York, Malik proposed that Saim Ayub should be the opening batsman if the matches are high-scoring.

“Look, Saim Ayub is the kind of player who plays a high-risk game. Any batter who plays with high risk has fewer chances of consistent performance, but there is a lot of talent in him. You need to see that if high-scoring matches are happening, then you will have to open with Saim Ayub,” Malik stated.

He also stressed the necessity of adjusting to the conditions of the match. In situations where the matches are not high-scoring and the scores are around 160-170, Malik indicated that Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan could be potential opening batsmen.

“But if high-scoring games are not happening, then it depends on the conditions, if it’s those 160-170 score matches again, then I guess Babar and Rizwan should open,” he further added.

Pakistan’s journey in the World Cup commences in Dallas, where they will face the co-host USA on June 6. This will be followed by matches against India on June 9 and Canada on June 12 in New York. Their last league match is scheduled against Ireland on June 16 in Florida.

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