Former cricketers push for Sahibzada Farhan, Maaz Sadaqat to strengthen Pakistan ODI top-order

Former Pakistan cricketers Shahid Afridi and Ahmad Shahzad have urged the national team to address its struggling top order, with both calling for fresh options to strengthen the opening combination in ODIs.

While Afridi believes Sahibzada Farhan deserves an extended opportunity in the 50-over format, Shahzad has backed the inclusion of both Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat, arguing that Pakistan need young batters capable of playing without pressure.

Their comments came after Pakistan overcame an early batting collapse to register a commanding victory over England in the second match of the home ODI tri-series at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.

Why have former cricketers questioned Pakistan's opening combination?

Pakistan endured another disappointing start after being asked to bat first, with experienced opener Fakhar Zaman dismissed by Gus Atkinson off the very first delivery of the innings.

His opening partner Saim Ayub also failed to make an impact, departing in the sixth over after scoring eight runs off six deliveries.

The opening pair had struggled in the tri-series opener against Sri Lanka as well, with Fakhar managing 16 and Saim scoring seven.

Babar Azam's cautious approach further slowed Pakistan's progress. The former captain scored 32 off 54 balls before Will Jacks bowled him in the 15th over, leaving the hosts at 59/3.

Pakistan's middle order subsequently rescued the innings. Half-centuries from Hasan Nawaz and Arafat Minhas, followed by a late assault from Faheem Ashraf, helped the hosts recover and post 302/9 in their allotted 50 overs.

Minhas then produced a remarkable bowling performance, claiming six wickets as England were dismissed for 215, handing Pakistan a comprehensive victory.

What changes has Shahid Afridi recommended?

Afridi praised Pakistan's batting recovery and Minhas' outstanding all-round display but suggested that Farhan should receive another opportunity in ODIs.

“Brilliant performance Arafat Minhas. This one will be remembered for long time as it was against a team like England. Excellent innings under pressure by Hassan Nawaz - congratulations to the team for a great start to the tri-series. Best wishes for the remaining matches. My suggestion - give Sahibzada Farhan a proper opportunity in ODIs,” Afridi posted on X.

Why does Ahmad Shahzad want Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat?

Shahzad believes Pakistan should bring in young players who can approach the game with confidence and freedom, particularly after the repeated failures at the top of the order.

“We’ve said it before that Pakistan needs fearless youngsters with no baggage, free to express themselves and win games. The early batting hiccup needs addressing, we need people like Sahibzada Farhan and Maaz Sadaqat to strengthen our top order,” Shahzad posted on X.

Farhan and Sadaqat have both previously represented Pakistan in ODIs, featuring in six matches each during the away tour of Bangladesh and against Australia at home earlier this year.

However, neither established himself during those opportunities and both were left out of the squad for the ongoing tri-series.

Sadaqat accumulated 134 runs at an average of 22.33, including one half-century. Farhan managed 101 runs in six innings at an average of 16.83 and a strike rate of 75.93.