Pakistan's opening search

Pakistan's batting line-up needs more reliable batsmen

BBC Sport Online's Kashif Qamar speaks to two former Pakistan captains about the side's search for a reliable top order.

Defeat in the first match of the Sharjah Cup has once again exposed Pakistan's need for a reliable opening pair.

Since Aamir Sohail dropped from favour two years ago, Pakistan have been experimenting with several players in the hope of finding a reliable partner for Saeed Anwar.

And with the veteran left-hander also currently off the field due to a stress fracture in his wrist the search for openers has become more desperate.

Shahid Afridi is explosive but inconsistent

Former Pakistan captain and coach Intikhab Alam believes the team needs an opening pair capable of preserving their wickets.

"To lose wickets too quickly is very dangerous," he says. "Openers must be able to stick around for a long time."

But another former captain, Asif Iqbal, argues the dynamics of one-day games are different and saving wickets are not the most important factor.

But he also admits that a consistent performer in the opening pair is necessary.

"Performance on the day is the most important thing for every team in the world, except for Australia, who are far ahead of the rest.

"Shahid Afridi is no doubt a brilliant player but his performance is also patchy - the team needs a consistent opener."

Able back-up

The experts also highlight the need for a reliable batsman to come in at the fall of the first wicket.

We should admit that Sri Lanka are a better and more disciplined team

Asif Iqbal

But, while Intikhab believes in consolidation, Asif says Pakistan should follow the lead set by Australia and South Africa in promoting a pinch hitter.

"To pile up a good total, at least one of the top three players should be able to stand for long time, so that good partnerships can be established," Intikhab says

"The longer good scorers remain at the crease, the higher the total will be."

Intikhab suggests Inzamam-ul-Haq's name for the pivotal number three slot.

"In the present eleven, only Inzamam and Yousuf Youhana are capable of playing at number three.

"Inzamam especially is a reliable and seasoned batsman, so he should face the pressure of staying at the crease and scoring as well."

Aamir Sohail formed a strong opening pair with Saeed Anwar

But Asif argues: "If Inzamam loses his wicket quickly, the rest of the team will be under pressure as he is also the backbone of the batting line-up."

Pakistan is still testing a number of players in the top three batting positions, but the two former captains think the time is running out of time for experiments.

"For the World Cup, 15 or 16 players should now be finalised to allow them to settle themselves," Intikhab says.

And Asif endorses his advice, saying encouragement is also crucial.

"After victories, the team is not praised enough," he says.

"But when they lose, everyone starts to point out flaws in the composition of the team and its planning."