Concerning Saim Ayub and Azam Khan's recent performances in the current five-match T20I series against New Zealand, former PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja has voiced his worries.
In the previous matches, Saim Ayub opened with a bang, scoring 27 runs off 8 balls in the first encounter before being run out to end his innings. In the second Twenty20 International, he scored just 1 run in his innings.
Disappointing cricket fans with his lackluster performances, wicket-keeper batsman Azam Khan—who is known for his massive sixes and power hitting—only managed to score 10 runs in the opening game of the series and 2 runs in the second.
The well-known cricket pundit cautiously suggested that the Pakistani players' strategy exhibits mediocrity on several levels.
Saim Ayub and Azam Khan are two examples of new players who have joined the club based on their strike rates. A miss-and-hit strategy is not viable for the entire team.
"You need to put in more effort because opportunities like these do not come again as these are brilliant batting conditions," he remarked, sharing his opinions on his YouTube channel.
"Azam Khan is a destructive batter but unfortunately tonight he came in and he really needed to go straight away and he got out," said Pakistan's batting coach Adam Hollioake in a press conference following the game.
Though he has not demonstrated it in these two games, he is an exciting player and a tremendous hitter; expect him to flourish in the future. It is one of those things where if it works you look wonderful, if it does not work you look silly.
He exuded confidence that the two hitters would excel in the series' next Twenty20 International matches and, when the moment is perfect, produce performances that win games.