NEW DELHI: Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha has made it clear that he will take up the No.3 batting spot for the team in the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup, signalling a shift in his usual role in the lineup.
Traditionally used in the middle to lower order, Salman has recently pushed himself up the order to strengthen Pakistan's batting approach, aiming to add greater intent and momentum in the early overs.
The move paid off immediately, as the right-hander looked fluent at first drop in the opening T20I against Australia in Lahore on Thursday, striking a brisk 39 to help Pakistan secure a convincing 22-run win, just days before the World Cup begins.
Following that performance, Salman confirmed that he will continue at No.3 for the remainder of the Australia series and carry the same role into the T20 World Cup. He believes the position allows him to play more freely, especially against spin, and make quick runs when the team needs early acceleration.
"Yes, I'll be batting at No.3 (in the future)," Ali Agha said.
"We expect to face a lot of spin, and I believe I can dominate spin during the Powerplay. That's why I moved up, and that is where I'll stay," he added.
Salman Agha's move up the order is also expected to trigger a reshuffle in Pakistan's batting line-up, with Babar Azam likely to adapt to a slightly different role. In the opening T20I against Australia, the former captain batted at No.4, scoring 24 off 20 balls as he adjusted to the new position.
