Ramiz Raja has suggested changes in the Pakistan squad for them to draw the T20I series against England. In the second T20I between the two teams, the visitors lost despite posting 195 on board.
The Men in Green who lost the Test series 1-0 put up a massive 195/4 on board, but the hosts batted exceedingly well to reach the target with 5 balls to spare. Skipper Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan’s half-centuries proved vital for them to take an unassailable 1-0 lead in the 3 matches T20I series.
Ramiz Raja: Pakistan Must Balance With Both Bat And Ball And Still Have A Chance To At Least Draw The Series
Pakistan’s former batsman turned commentator Ramiz Raja has suggested some possible changes in the squad so that they can at least draw the T20I series in the final match taking place on Tuesday, September 1. The former cricketer proposed that balancing the batting and bowling performances in the team is utmost essential, and Pakistan have been getting weak in that zone only.
“Pakistan needs to realise that England are a top-quality side. You cannot relax against them even if you score 200, they can always put you under pressure. Pakistan did not bowl well [in the second T20I] as opposed to the first T20I.”
“Pakistan need to balance out their performance with the bat and bowl, otherwise they will be in trouble often. The Men in Green still have a chance to win the last match and come back home with a drawn series,” Raja said on his YouTube channel.
In the first T20I England scored 131/6 in 16.1 overs but the rain stopped further play but Pakistan bowlers bowled well except Haris Rauf who went for 32 in his 3 overs. Imad Wasim and Shadab Khan picked up 2 wickets apiece and conceded less than 35 runs in 4 overs. Tom Banton scored 71 but the match was abandoned.
In the second T20I, England skipper Eoin Morgan scored 66 off only 33 balls and Dawid Malan contributed with an unbeaten 54 to outcome the heroics of Pakistan’s Babar Azam who scored 56 and Mohammad Hafeez who scored 69.
Ramiz Raja: Advantage Of Pakistan Is Spin Department
The 58-year-old Ramiz Raja further suggested that pacer Mohammad Amir might not take further part in the series owing to a hamstring injury which will pave the way for the inclusion of pacer Wahab Riaz who can do the job perfectly for the Pakistan team.
“Mohammad Amir might not play due to injury, which could pave the way for Wahab Riaz. If the management does not want to play him [Riaz] then they can opt for another spinner. I think Pakistan’s advantage against England lies in their spin department,” Ramiz Raja said
They can dominate with spin. Their strategy will be interesting to see going forward because they must have gained a lot of confidence through their batting, but the bowling department did not perform well,” Raja added.
Pakistan lost their no.1 T20I ranking and are placed fourth behind Australia, England and India and another series loss will not help their chances of being the top-ranked team again in T20I.