I took the performance data of all No. 3 and No. 4 batters from the top international teams since the 2023 World Cup. I calculated the Mean Average and Mean Strike Rate, along with their Standard Deviations, to find the Z-scores for both positions separately.

Because we are dealing with elite international athletes, the standard Z-score range of -2 to +2 is too wide. I narrowed the baseline to **-1 to +1 for "Average" performance**. Anyone scoring above +1 is exceptional, and anyone below -1 is underperforming.

Mohammad Rizwan (No. 4): His Z-scores for both batting average and strike rate put him firmly in the "Average" bracket. He is performing exactly where a top-tier international No. 4 is expected to.

Babar Azam (No. 3): Babar sits in the exact same frame of reference. His Z-scores place him in that identical "Average" bracket for global No. 3 batters. 

So if Rizwan is considered below average by the selectors, then so is Babar Azam and should be dropped promptly. My personal belief is that both have been performing fine and should be persevered with, instead of rushing Ghazi Ghori in.

Also, KG stats look lovely, but we better ignore that because Aqib Javed says he is a horrible fielder.

My Analysis Worksheet is in the comments, for anyone interested.

Comparison of Babar and Rizwan to No. 03 and No. 04 batsmen from Top Team post 23 WC