First match of Asia Cup against Hong Kong, Shoaib Malik opened the innings with Salman Butt. In-match commentary, Rameez Raja stated that either him or Afridi were touted to come up the innings.
Why is the decision of Shoaib Malik coming up the order marked as of high importance…for the captain, leading from the front is something that they all thrive for. Has Malik made a sound decision? Does it give the edge in having an extra bowler or batsman in the team?
Discuss reasons, for and against.
Re: Shoaib Malik coming up the order - is it a sound decision?
i dont think so … i think misbah shud promote to dat position 
Re: Shoaib Malik coming up the order - is it a sound decision?
I seriously believe tht Malik can become a Good opener .......
So i defiantly support him opening the innings
Re: Shoaib Malik coming up the order - is it a sound decision?
this might work on sub continent pitches. I am not so sure about away tours though
Bringing the discussion back up from the dead...
We agree that a captain should be leading from the front. During the tenure of Inzamam, voices were heard from high quarters that he should be coming in at the top of the order, preferably amongst top four. One thing which I am liking about Malik's captaincy is that he has promoted himself at the top of the order and the decision to do so have paid off fairly well. If things go well and Malik continues to perform, it might be a shuffle between Salman Butt and the rest who have represented Pakistan previously (during Bangladesh series, as an example). This is the start which Malik have ensured to see that the issue of having a permanent opener is resolved. With the current form of Salman Butt, we are in tatters again.