Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja wasn’t happy with the approach of the Pakistan team in the warmup game against New Zealand on Friday. Black Caps chased down a total of 346 runs against Pakistan with over seven overs to spare in the game, as the Men in Green bowlers struggled to stop the run flow in the middle overs of the game.
Except the opening pair, Pakistan’s batsmen, including Mohammad Rizwan (who scored 103 runs off 91 balls), Babar Azam (80 runs from 84 balls), and Saud Shakeel (75 runs off 53 balls), displayed good form during the middle overs which helped their team to post a commanding total of 345 for five in the 50 overs of the game but the runs were enough for the Men in Green at the end in Hyderabad.
Speaking to the media, Ramiz Raja expressed dissatisfaction with Pakistan’s approach in the match, stating the team needs to adjust their batting according to the nature of Indian pitches. He emphasised the need for Pakistan to score over 400 runs depending on the game and urged the Pakistan batters to take a calculated risk in the game.
“I know it was just a practice game, but a win is a win. And winning becomes a habit. But I feel Pakistan are now getting a habit of losing. First, they lost in the Asia Cup, and now here. Pakistan scored 345 and it was a great run-chase.
“If these are the pitches – and you will get such pitches in India – you will have to score 400 if your bowling keeps misfiring like this. You will have to change your tactics, and take risks. And we don’t do that. We play defensively for first 10-15 overs and then shift gears,” Ramiz Raja said.
Haris Rauf delivered a four-over spell without taking any wickets and conceded 36 runs. Hasan Ali, who returned to the Pakistan squad after a nine-month absence, had a good start in his opening spell but found it difficult to contain runs as the New Zealand innings progressed while their primary Shaheen Shah Afridi did not take the field against New Zealand.
Pakistan will be facing another favourites Australia in their final Warmup game of the ODI World Cup 2023, before their opening game against the Netherlands on October 6th in Hyderabad. Babar Azam-led side will look to start their World Cup campaign with victory against the less-ranked opponent to give their side much-needed momentum in the high-octane tournament.
