Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed has said that Babar Azam had to open in the first over of all the ODIs against South Africa and it is not a new thing for him to face the new ball. Hence, the management wants him to keep opening in the Champions Trophy. He added that the team management remains confident in Babar's capability to deliver important performances, in the powerplay, where he can make most of the fielding restrictions.

Babar’s form has been a talking point in the lead-up to the Champions Trophy, after a disappointing Tri-Series campaign against New Zealand and South Africa on home soil.

Despite increasing concerns, Javed said during the post-match press conference that Babar's form is not a big worry for the side. The latter scored 62 runs in three matches at an average of 20.66. Babar's highest score came in the final against New Zealand on February 14, where he was dismissed for 29 as Pakistan fell short in the summit clash.

“Our rationale behind the change was that if you look at the away series against South Africa, Babar Azam had to bat in the first over in all games. Then Saim got injured and he had to open in Tests too. These pitches are not troubling the batters at the start, we wanted our best batter to make good use of the powerplay, that suits us more," Javed said.

“So, I think, in these conditions, Babar should open and I am hopeful that he will play a big innings in important matches," Javed added.

One of the major concerns from the tri-series was Babar's struggle against the pace of Michael Bracewell, Wiaan Mulder and Nathan Smith, none of whom are top-notch pacers. But the management appears to be firm in their decision to make Babar open in the Champions Trophy as well, where they will begin their campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi.

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