Ramiz Raja criticized Pakistan’s T20I loss to a depleted New Zealand side, calling it an embarrassing performance ahead of the World Cup.
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja ripped into the national team following their demoralizing seven-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the third T20I on Sunday, April 21st. The loss came at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium and levelled the five-match series at 1-1.
Raja criticized the team’s performance, particularly considering the weakened state of the New Zealand squad. Several key Blackcaps players are currently participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
In a YouTube video, Raja said, “This is an embarrassing result for Pakistan. Losing is part of the game, but to lose against a team that isn’t even a complete side—not even a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team—especially with the World Cup approaching, shakes the team’s confidence.”
Raja emphasized the significance of the defeat, highlighting its impact on Pakistan’s reputation. “In T20 cricket, anyone can win on any given day. However, such a dramatic turnaround within 24 hours is a major blow. Just a day ago, Pakistan dominated and won by seven wickets. Now, they suffer a similar defeat. This inconsistency is unacceptable,” Raja remarked.
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The hosts posted a competitive total of 178 runs on the scoreboard, thanks to partnerships between openers Saim Ayub and Babar Azam, and later between Shadab Khan and Irfan Khan. Chasing the target, New Zealand openers provided a solid start, scoring 53 runs in the powerplay. The turning point came with Mark Chapman’s unbeaten knock of 87 runs off just 42 balls, guiding New Zealand to a comfortable victory with 10 balls to spare.
The series now shifts to Lahore for the remaining two matches, with the fourth T20I scheduled for Thursday, April 25th, at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan will be under immense pressure to bounce back and avoid another setback as they gear up for the upcoming World Cup.
Last Updated on April 24, 2024
