Mohammad Rizwan has strongly hinted that Babar Azam will open the batting for Pakistan alongside Fakhar Zaman in the opening match of the ODI tri-series against New Zealand on Saturday, February 8. Pakistan will be facing the Blackcaps and South Africa as the tri-series format makes a return to the international calendar after a long hiatus.

The hosts of this year's Champions Trophy will be without the services of Saim Ayub for the tri-series and the upcoming ICC event as he sustained during the South Africa tour. While announcing their squad for the Champions Trophy, it was revealed alongside the returning Fakhar Zaman during the tournament, which will begin on February 19.

Rizwan asked in the press conference by a reporter to reveal what their opening combination would be. The Pakistan skipper decided to use the famous line associated with Babar to hint that the star batter could be the one coming out to open alongside Fakhar.

"Iske jawaab mein woh baat ki thi na, 'King kar lega'." (The answer is, there was a line 'King will do it'.)

You can see the full video below:

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While Babar has been a success at No.3 for Pakistan in the 50-over format, his record as an opener is far from impressive. In 2 matches as an opener, Babar has scored just 26 runs, with a highest score of 22. At No.3, the star batter has scored 5416 runs at an average of 60.17.

'We have the best choice of players'

Rizwan also said that they have the best choice of players in the squad for the Champions Trophy and the tri-series will be the ideal way for them to prepare for the ICC event.

"We have the best choice of players so it is an important series and the best preparation for the bigger event, the Champions Trophy," Pakistan skipper Rizwan told reporters ahead of Saturday's match in Lahore.

The final of the tri-series will be played on February 14.