[Watch] Babar Azam's misfield at long-off costs Pakistan during 2nd T20I vs New Zealand in Hamilton

Former captain Babar Azam's misfield at long-off cost Pakistan a couple of extra runs during the second T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton on Sunday (January 14). New Zealand won the first T20I in Auckland by 46 runs and leads the five-match series 1-0 going into today's contest.

Pakistan skipper Shaheen Afridi won the toss and opted to bowl first in the second T20I. Finn Allen gave the hosts a great start with a blazing knock as he hit a flurry of boundaries in the powerplay. Allen raced to his half-century in the ninth over with a six against leg-spinner Usama Mir.

On the very next ball, he hit a short-length ball powerfully towards the long off region along the ground. Babar Azam, who was fielding there, tried to stop it with a dive but failed in his attempt as the ball went through his hands and reached the boundary ropes.

You can watch the moment in the video below:

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"I believe there’s not much to be gained by changing things up" - Ramiz Raja on splitting opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in T20Is

Former PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has criticized the current Pakistan team management's decision to change the opening combination in the T20I format. He opined that established players like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan should have been backed as they have proved themselves on the big stage on numerous occasions. Speaking to CricWick on the matter, Raja said:

"I wouldn’t agree [with the decision of splitting Babar and Rizwan]. Pundits across the international fraternity take the name of Babar Azam and Rizwan together as an opening pair. That’s because we have been consistent. From the pool we had available, we picked these two. If you are averaging 40-45 with a strike rate of 128-130, and you’re providing starts, and are fighting it out in the big games, I believe there’s not much to be gained by changing things up."

He continued:

"You can’t go into a World Cup in an experimental stage, particularly if you don’t have options. If you have created options, then great. I still believe big teams have a solid opening pair, a solid wicketkeeper, and a solid opening bowling pair

Do you agree with Ramiz Raja's views? Let us know your opinions in the comments section below.