Like any other format of the game, openers can shape how a team performs in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-indian-players-who-are-picked-for-asia-cup-2022-but-might-not-be-selected-for-t20-wc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T20Is</a>. If the pair manage to give a rock and solid start, the following batters can chip in and contribute their bit to set up a good total in the 20-over format. In case of a shaky start, the middle-order batters need to play it safe, and someone will have to anchor the innings.

There are certain openers in the Asia Cup who are also the main batter of their side. Players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are also the leaders of their respective sides and thus will have the pressure to lead from the front and give their team a good start. How will other teams line up their opening pair, and which pair can be deadly in the forthcoming tournament? Go no further as we dissect and rank the opening combinations of every team ahead of the tournament.

5. Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685897" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anamul-Haque-Mohammad-Naim.jpg" alt="Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685897" class="wp-caption-text">Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA &amp; Alex Davidson/Getty Images)</figcaption>

Based on Bangladesh’s recent performance, the duo is ranked in the 5th performance. They, of course, were not originally planned as Liton Das, one of their best batters of this format, is not part of the Asia Cup.

Mohammad <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammad-naim-recalled-to-the-bangladesh-squad-for-the-asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naim</a>, who was part of the Bangladesh A squad recently, has been called up for this tournament. He has played 34 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and scored 809 runs at an average of 24.51. His strike rate is a matter of concern but that’s a problem that the whole team needs to address.

His opening partner, Anamul Haque was playing in the top order against Zimbabwe. Batting at number three, the 29-year-old scored just 56 runs in three T20Is. More than the runs, it’s his strike rate that’s been a matter of discussion. Representing Bangladesh in 19 T20Is, the right-hander scored 440 runs but with a strike rate of 115.49.

The team director of Bangladesh, Khalid Mahmood previously spoke on how players should improve their strike rate. This is one big disadvantage of Bangla Tigers at the moment. They got to get better in order to lift their maiden Asia Cup title this year. Now, in order to do so, their openers need to give them a strong start. The pressure is on Haque and Naim to deliver.

4. Hazratullah Zazai &amp; Rahmanullah Gurbaz

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai-and-Rahmanullah-Gurbaz.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685895" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz can give <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistans-predicted-xi-for-asia-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghanistan</a> a good start. The nation lost their cricketing mojo for quite some time now, and it is the perfect tournament to pick themselves up and deliver on the big stage for everyone to take notice. For that, Zazai and Gurbaz need to play their natural aggressive cricket.

The 24-year-old Zazai scored 867 runs in 28 matches he played for Afghanistan. With a strike rate of 144.5, he is known to hurt the bowlers. However, his form will be a matter of concern. Against Ireland, in the recently concluded series, his performance was under the scanner. Neither the runs nor the strike rate was up to his standard. He will have to improve that in order to give Afghanistan a rock-solid start.

His partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a bit more consistent in this regard. The 20-year-old is considered as the future of their cricket and has 676 runs from the 27 matches that he has played. With a strike rate of 133.86, the nation will look up to him for a strong start. If he and Zazai get going, things will be difficult for the opponents. Both of them are very much known for clearing the ropes.

3. Pathum Nissanka &amp; Danushka Gunathilaka

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685899" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pathum-Nissanka-and-Danushka-Gunathilaka.jpg" alt="Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685899" class="wp-caption-text">Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Even though their strike rate is a matter of concern, their consistency is what keeps them at number three. Nissanka and Danushka are proven custodians of<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup-2022-sri-lankan-pacer-dushmantha-chameera-ruled-out-with-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sri Lankan</a> cricket. They can play aggressively, but they tend to follow their role in the team and focus on giving Sri Lanka a solid start so that the hard hitters can capitalize later.

The 24-year-old Nissanka has played 23 T20Is for the Lankans and scored 628 runs at a strike rate of 115.65. Now, that may be a matter of concern, but since his role is defined, Nissanka can play the role of an anchor.

Similarly, Danushka Gunathilaka helps to build the innings. Now, this definitely isn’t the ideal opening combination as one of them should score the runs, but the management backs their process for now. The 31-year-old Gunathilaka scored 678 runs for the Lankans in 39 matches that he played. The player has a strike rate of 121.94 in T20Is.

2. Babar Azam &amp; Mohammad Rizwan

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-679964" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Babar-Azam-and-Mohammed-Rizwan.jpg" alt="Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-679964" class="wp-caption-text">Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The duo has been the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket for quite some time now. Ever since they bamboozled India in the T20 World Cup last year, they have been in a lot of media attention and are considered as one of the best opening duo in T20 cricket. Statistically, Babar Azam is now the number one T20I batter in the world, while his partner in crime, Mohammad Rizwan, ranks third in ICC’s list.

Talking about the Pakistani captain, Babar’s strike rate has always been questioned. It never bothered him, though. The 27-year-old scored 2686 runs for Pakistan in 74 T20 matches that he played. With a strike rate of 129.44, Babar is known for giving solid starts for the middle-order batters to capitalize.

Mohammad Rizwan brings the energy that’s needed in T20 cricket. He strikes the ball cleanly and makes it difficult for the opponent to understand his intentions. The 30-year-old has 1662 runs to his name in the 56 matches that he has played. With a 128.83 strike rate, he, of course can better and is expected to get better. The fans will hope that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rahul-dravid-set-to-miss-asia-cup-following-positive-covid-19-test-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Cup</a> is the stage where he unleashes himself.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581131" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581131" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption>

The only reason why this dynamic pair is ahead of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is because of the way they play. After their change in tactics, India is playing aggressive cricket, and this duo has the potential to tear any opponent up on a given day.

The captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, has a strike rate of 140.27 in T20 Internationals. The right-handed batter has 3487 runs to his name from 132 matches that he played. However, the numbers shouldn’t come into the picture in the Asia Cup. India’s new tactics of ‘see the ball and hit the ball’ can be a blessing for a player like Rohit Sharma as he can clear the ropes pretty easily if given the opportunity.

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saba-karim-picks-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-as-indias-future-white-ball-captains/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul</a>, on the other hand, is his perfect companion. The captain of the Lucknow Supergiants is known for scoring tons of runs and has 1831 runs for India in 56 T20Is that he has played. His strike rate of 142.49 adds to the value.

The problem, however, with the duo is their struggle against left-arm seamers. If they can overcome the challenge, fans can expect an explosive start from the duo.

Like any other format of the game, openers can shape how a team performs in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-indian-players-who-are-picked-for-asia-cup-2022-but-might-not-be-selected-for-t20-wc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T20Is</a>. If the pair manage to give a rock and solid start, the following batters can chip in and contribute their bit to set up a good total in the 20-over format. In case of a shaky start, the middle-order batters need to play it safe, and someone will have to anchor the innings.
There are certain openers in the Asia Cup who are also the main batter of their side. Players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are also the leaders of their respective sides and thus will have the pressure to lead from the front and give their team a good start. How will other teams line up their opening pair, and which pair can be deadly in the forthcoming tournament? Go no further as we dissect and rank the opening combinations of every team ahead of the tournament.
<h3>5. Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685897" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685897" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-685897" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anamul-Haque-Mohammad-Naim.jpg" alt="Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685897" class="wp-caption-text">Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA &amp; Alex Davidson/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Based on Bangladesh’s recent performance, the duo is ranked in the 5th performance. They, of course, were not originally planned as Liton Das, one of their best batters of this format, is not part of the Asia Cup.&nbsp;
Mohammad <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammad-naim-recalled-to-the-bangladesh-squad-for-the-asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naim</a>, who was part of the Bangladesh A squad recently, has been called up for this tournament. He has played 34 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and scored 809 runs at an average of 24.51. His strike rate is a matter of concern but that’s a problem that the whole team needs to address.
His opening partner, Anamul Haque was playing in the top order against Zimbabwe. Batting at number three, the 29-year-old scored just 56 runs in three T20Is. More than the runs, it’s his strike rate that’s been a matter of discussion. Representing Bangladesh in 19 T20Is, the right-hander scored 440 runs but with a strike rate of 115.49.
The team director of Bangladesh, Khalid Mahmood previously spoke on how players should improve their strike rate. This is one big disadvantage of Bangla Tigers at the moment. They got to get better in order to lift their maiden Asia Cup title this year. Now, in order to do so, their openers need to give them a strong start. The pressure is on Haque and Naim to deliver.

<h3>4. Hazratullah Zazai &amp; Rahmanullah Gurbaz</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685895" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685895" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-685895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai-and-Rahmanullah-Gurbaz.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685895" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz can give <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistans-predicted-xi-for-asia-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghanistan</a> a good start. The nation lost their cricketing mojo for quite some time now, and it is the perfect tournament to pick themselves up and deliver on the big stage for everyone to take notice. For that, Zazai and Gurbaz need to play their natural aggressive cricket.
The 24-year-old Zazai scored 867 runs in 28 matches he played for Afghanistan. With a strike rate of 144.5, he is known to hurt the bowlers. However, his form will be a matter of concern. Against Ireland, in the recently concluded series, his performance was under the scanner. Neither the runs nor the strike rate was up to his standard. He will have to improve that in order to give Afghanistan a rock-solid start.
His partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a bit more consistent in this regard. The 20-year-old is considered as the future of their cricket and has 676 runs from the 27 matches that he has played. With a strike rate of 133.86, the nation will look up to him for a strong start. If he and Zazai get going, things will be difficult for the opponents. Both of them are very much known for clearing the ropes.

<h3>3. Pathum Nissanka &amp; Danushka Gunathilaka</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685899" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685899" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-685899" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pathum-Nissanka-and-Danushka-Gunathilaka.jpg" alt="Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685899" class="wp-caption-text">Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Even though their strike rate is a matter of concern, their consistency is what keeps them at number three. Nissanka and Danushka are proven custodians of<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup-2022-sri-lankan-pacer-dushmantha-chameera-ruled-out-with-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sri Lankan</a> cricket. They can play aggressively, but they tend to follow their role in the team and focus on giving Sri Lanka a solid start so that the hard hitters can capitalize later.&nbsp;
The 24-year-old Nissanka has played 23 T20Is for the Lankans and scored 628 runs at a strike rate of 115.65. Now, that may be a matter of concern, but since his role is defined, Nissanka can play the role of an anchor.
Similarly, Danushka Gunathilaka helps to build the innings. Now, this definitely isn’t the ideal opening combination as one of them should score the runs, but the management backs their process for now. The 31-year-old Gunathilaka scored 678 runs for the Lankans in 39 matches that he played. The player has a strike rate of 121.94 in T20Is.

<h3>2. Babar Azam &amp; Mohammad Rizwan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_679964" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-679964" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-679964" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Babar-Azam-and-Mohammed-Rizwan.jpg" alt="Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-679964" class="wp-caption-text">Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The duo has been the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket for quite some time now. Ever since they bamboozled India in the T20 World Cup last year, they have been in a lot of media attention and are considered as one of the best opening duo in T20 cricket. Statistically, Babar Azam is now the number one T20I batter in the world, while his partner in crime, Mohammad Rizwan, ranks third in ICC’s list.
Talking about the Pakistani captain, Babar’s strike rate has always been questioned. It never bothered him, though. The 27-year-old scored 2686 runs for Pakistan in 74 T20 matches that he played. With a strike rate of 129.44, Babar is known for giving solid starts for the middle-order batters to capitalize.
Mohammad Rizwan brings the energy that’s needed in T20 cricket. He strikes the ball cleanly and makes it difficult for the opponent to understand his intentions. The 30-year-old has 1662 runs to his name in the 56 matches that he has played. With a 128.83 strike rate, he, of course can better and is expected to get better. The fans will hope that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rahul-dravid-set-to-miss-asia-cup-following-positive-covid-19-test-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Cup</a> is the stage where he unleashes himself.

<h3>1. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_581131" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581131" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-581131" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581131" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The only reason why this dynamic pair is ahead of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is because of the way they play. After their change in tactics, India is playing aggressive cricket, and this duo has the potential to tear any opponent up on a given day.
The captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, has a strike rate of 140.27 in T20 Internationals. The right-handed batter has 3487 runs to his name from 132 matches that he played. However, the numbers shouldn’t come into the picture in the Asia Cup. India’s new tactics of ‘see the ball and hit the ball’ can be a blessing for a player like Rohit Sharma as he can clear the ropes pretty easily if given the opportunity.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saba-karim-picks-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-as-indias-future-white-ball-captains/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul</a>, on the other hand, is his perfect companion. The captain of the Lucknow Supergiants is known for scoring tons of runs and has 1831 runs for India in 56 T20Is that he has played. His strike rate of 142.49 adds to the value.
The problem, however, with the duo is their struggle against left-arm seamers. If they can overcome the challenge, fans can expect an explosive start from the duo.

Like any other format of the game, openers can shape how a team performs in <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/3-indian-players-who-are-picked-for-asia-cup-2022-but-might-not-be-selected-for-t20-wc/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">T20Is</a>. If the pair manage to give a rock and solid start, the following batters can chip in and contribute their bit to set up a good total in the 20-over format. In case of a shaky start, the middle-order batters need to play it safe, and someone will have to anchor the innings.
There are certain openers in the Asia Cup who are also the main batter of their side. Players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are also the leaders of their respective sides and thus will have the pressure to lead from the front and give their team a good start. How will other teams line up their opening pair, and which pair can be deadly in the forthcoming tournament? Go no further as we dissect and rank the opening combinations of every team ahead of the tournament.
<h3>5. Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685897" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685897" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685897" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Anamul-Haque-Mohammad-Naim.jpg" alt="Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685897" class="wp-caption-text">Anamul Haque &amp; Mohammad Naim. (Photo by JEKESAI NJIKIZANA &amp; Alex Davidson/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
Based on Bangladesh’s recent performance, the duo is ranked in the 5th performance. They, of course, were not originally planned as Liton Das, one of their best batters of this format, is not part of the Asia Cup. 
Mohammad <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/mohammad-naim-recalled-to-the-bangladesh-squad-for-the-asia-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Naim</a>, who was part of the Bangladesh A squad recently, has been called up for this tournament. He has played 34 T20 Internationals for Bangladesh and scored 809 runs at an average of 24.51. His strike rate is a matter of concern but that’s a problem that the whole team needs to address.
His opening partner, Anamul Haque was playing in the top order against Zimbabwe. Batting at number three, the 29-year-old scored just 56 runs in three T20Is. More than the runs, it’s his strike rate that’s been a matter of discussion. Representing Bangladesh in 19 T20Is, the right-hander scored 440 runs but with a strike rate of 115.49.
The team director of Bangladesh, Khalid Mahmood previously spoke on how players should improve their strike rate. This is one big disadvantage of Bangla Tigers at the moment. They got to get better in order to lift their maiden Asia Cup title this year. Now, in order to do so, their openers need to give them a strong start. The pressure is on Haque and Naim to deliver.

<h3>4. Hazratullah Zazai &amp; Rahmanullah Gurbaz</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685895" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685895" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685895" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Hazratullah-Zazai-and-Rahmanullah-Gurbaz.jpg" alt="Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685895" class="wp-caption-text">Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The opening pair of Hazratullah Zazai and Rahmanullah Gurbaz can give <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/afghanistans-predicted-xi-for-asia-cup-2022/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Afghanistan</a> a good start. The nation lost their cricketing mojo for quite some time now, and it is the perfect tournament to pick themselves up and deliver on the big stage for everyone to take notice. For that, Zazai and Gurbaz need to play their natural aggressive cricket.
The 24-year-old Zazai scored 867 runs in 28 matches he played for Afghanistan. With a strike rate of 144.5, he is known to hurt the bowlers. However, his form will be a matter of concern. Against Ireland, in the recently concluded series, his performance was under the scanner. Neither the runs nor the strike rate was up to his standard. He will have to improve that in order to give Afghanistan a rock-solid start.
His partner Rahmanullah Gurbaz is a bit more consistent in this regard. The 20-year-old is considered as the future of their cricket and has 676 runs from the 27 matches that he has played. With a strike rate of 133.86, the nation will look up to him for a strong start. If he and Zazai get going, things will be difficult for the opponents. Both of them are very much known for clearing the ropes.

<h3>3. Pathum Nissanka &amp; Danushka Gunathilaka</h3>
<figure id="attachment_685899" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-685899" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-685899" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Pathum-Nissanka-and-Danushka-Gunathilaka.jpg" alt="Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-685899" class="wp-caption-text">Pathum Nissanka and Danushka Gunathilaka. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Even though their strike rate is a matter of concern, their consistency is what keeps them at number three. Nissanka and Danushka are proven custodians of<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/asia-cup-2022-sri-lankan-pacer-dushmantha-chameera-ruled-out-with-injury/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> Sri Lankan</a> cricket. They can play aggressively, but they tend to follow their role in the team and focus on giving Sri Lanka a solid start so that the hard hitters can capitalize later. 
The 24-year-old Nissanka has played 23 T20Is for the Lankans and scored 628 runs at a strike rate of 115.65. Now, that may be a matter of concern, but since his role is defined, Nissanka can play the role of an anchor.
Similarly, Danushka Gunathilaka helps to build the innings. Now, this definitely isn’t the ideal opening combination as one of them should score the runs, but the management backs their process for now. The 31-year-old Gunathilaka scored 678 runs for the Lankans in 39 matches that he played. The player has a strike rate of 121.94 in T20Is.

<h3>2. Babar Azam &amp; Mohammad Rizwan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_679964" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-679964" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-679964" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/Babar-Azam-and-Mohammed-Rizwan.jpg" alt="Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-679964" class="wp-caption-text">Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The duo has been the heartbeat of Pakistan cricket for quite some time now. Ever since they bamboozled India in the T20 World Cup last year, they have been in a lot of media attention and are considered as one of the best opening duo in T20 cricket. Statistically, Babar Azam is now the number one T20I batter in the world, while his partner in crime, Mohammad Rizwan, ranks third in ICC’s list.
Talking about the Pakistani captain, Babar’s strike rate has always been questioned. It never bothered him, though. The 27-year-old scored 2686 runs for Pakistan in 74 T20 matches that he played. With a strike rate of 129.44, Babar is known for giving solid starts for the middle-order batters to capitalize.
Mohammad Rizwan brings the energy that’s needed in T20 cricket. He strikes the ball cleanly and makes it difficult for the opponent to understand his intentions. The 30-year-old has 1662 runs to his name in the 56 matches that he has played. With a 128.83 strike rate, he, of course can better and is expected to get better. The fans will hope that the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/rahul-dravid-set-to-miss-asia-cup-following-positive-covid-19-test-reports/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Asia Cup</a> is the stage where he unleashes himself.

<h3>1. Rohit Sharma and KL Rahul</h3>
<figure id="attachment_581131" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-581131" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-581131" src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul-and-Rohit-Sharma-2.jpg" alt="KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-581131" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul and Rohit Sharma. (Photo by Pankaj Nangia/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>
The only reason why this dynamic pair is ahead of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan is because of the way they play. After their change in tactics, India is playing aggressive cricket, and this duo has the potential to tear any opponent up on a given day.
The captain of the Indian team, Rohit Sharma, has a strike rate of 140.27 in T20 Internationals. The right-handed batter has 3487 runs to his name from 132 matches that he played. However, the numbers shouldn’t come into the picture in the Asia Cup. India’s new tactics of ‘see the ball and hit the ball’ can be a blessing for a player like Rohit Sharma as he can clear the ropes pretty easily if given the opportunity.
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/saba-karim-picks-kl-rahul-and-rishabh-pant-as-indias-future-white-ball-captains/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rahul</a>, on the other hand, is his perfect companion. The captain of the Lucknow Supergiants is known for scoring tons of runs and has 1831 runs for India in 56 T20Is that he has played. His strike rate of 142.49 adds to the value.
The problem, however, with the duo is their struggle against left-arm seamers. If they can overcome the challenge, fans can expect an explosive start from the duo.

Players like Rohit Sharma and Babar Azam are also the leaders of their respective side and thus will have the pressure to lead from the front and give their team a good start.

Ranking opening combinations of top five teams ahead of Asia Cup 2022

With Asia Cup knocking the door, we have ranked the openers of all the teams based on their form and impact in T20Is