If Not Imam, Who Can Open With Babar For Pakistan's Clash Vs India In Champions Trophy?

 

If Not Imam, Who Can Open With Babar For Pakistan's Clash Vs India In Champions Trophy?

Pakistan is in turmoil ahead of their Champions Trophy 2025 matchup with India. Pakistan's star opener Fakhar Zaman suffered an injury and was ruled out of the tournament. Imam-ul-Haq was announced as his replacement after Pakistan's one-sided defeat of New Zealand. However, will Imam play against India in a do-or-die match is still unclear, however, Pakistan do have other options to explore when it comes to the opening slot.  The India clash is a must-win encounter for the hosts and for that, they need to be at their best.  Before the game, we look at players who, like Babar, can start the innings at the top. he obvious choice to open the innings for Pakistan alongside Babar Azam, Imam has the numbers to back the statement.  

Imam-ul-Haq's ODI stats

Criterion	Data
Matchesselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	72selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table
Runsselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	3138selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table
Averageselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	48.27selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table
50s/100sselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	9/20selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table

The left-handed batter has scored 3138 runs at 48.27 runs per game in 72 ODI matches. The Pakistan opening will become monolithic if Imam and Babar open. Both the openers will be anchors and this will play in India's hands.  Fakhar was the X-factor that could have troubled Indian bowlers because he was an aggressive batter. 

1 Usman Khan 

However, to nullify that, Pakistan could turn to Usman Khan, who is a naturally aggressive batter and can be the one to take down the Indian attack, something which the Pakistan batters lack at the moment.  He hasn't played in any ODIs yet, but in T20s, he hits at 145, which could make the difference between a good start and a great one. Imam has previous experience opening the batting for Pakistan and has a strong bond with his best friend Babar Azam, which could be advantageous for the Pakistan team when it plays India. However, there is one thing which goes against Imam, and it will be explained in the next point.

1) The surprise pick - Usman Khan

Usman Khan stats as opener/number 3 in T20s

Criterion	Data
Matchesselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	62selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table
Runsselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	1724selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table
Strike-Rateselectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table	145.48selectinsert aboveinsert belowinsert rightinsert leftdel rowdel coldel table

2) Hold onto Saud Shakeel. 

In the most recent match, Pakistan started the game with Saud Shakeel, but that move didn't work. Babar and Saud started slowly as they chased 321, which hampered their innings. But Pakistan like Saud Shakeel and his batting, so don't be surprised if they choose him to open against India. The move could be risky, leading to either a significant success or a significant failure.