Pakistan's preparation for the upcoming T20 World Cup hit a snag after a disappointing loss to England in the fourth T20I. Former PCB chief, Ramiz Raja, pointed fingers at the performance of all-rounder Shadab Khan, questioning his role in the team. The middle-order batting, which included Khan, faltered badly during the match. Pakistan had a strong start thanks to openers Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who looked set to propel the score past 180 runs. However, the middle-order collapse meant the innings fell short, reaching only 160. Later Pakistani bowlers failed to defend the not-so-big total and ultimately lost the match and series 2-0. The team's preparation for the T20 World Cup couldn't have ended on a worse note, raising concerns about their middle-order woes and overall form heading into the tournament.
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Ramiz Raja slams Shadab Khan
Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja wasn't impressed with Pakistan's performance against England, particularly the middle order's batting. He singled out Shadab Khan for criticism.
Raja pointed to the middle-order collapse as the turning point in the match, criticizing the lack of "character" shown by the batters. He specifically called for a more defined role for Shadab Khan in the batting order. Raja suggested Imad Wasim, who was injured during training, be brought back into the team for better balance. Going further, Raja didn't shy away from suggesting Shadab Khan's potential removal. He argued that if the team management can't find a clear role for Shadab with the bat, they shouldn't hesitate to drop him. Raja even proposed Saim Ayub as a potential replacement at the number 5 position.
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"The middle order was a flop show that led to the lack of runs and we lost the plot. Imad Wasim should be picked in all games. If you have to bench Shadab, do it. You can play Saim Ayub in the middle order because Shadab is not fit at No.5," Ramiz Raja said in his latest YT video.
Raja Doubles Down on Shadab Khan Criticism
Former PCB chief Ramiz Raja wasn't done critiquing Shadab Khan after calling for a more defined role. Raja escalated his criticism, labeling Khan a "literal slogger" unsuited for the crucial number 5 position in the batting order.
Raja argued that number 5 demands a specialist batsman who can provide stability. He saw Shadab's approach as overly aggressive and unfit for the middle-order role. To further emphasize his point, Raja described Shadab as "out of touch, out of form, and totally out of place" at number 5.
"If a proper batter comes in, it will bring some stability in the middle order.Shadab Khan in middle order? What is his role, I don’t get it. At No.5, he is out of touch and out of form. His ideal batting position should be No.7. He tries to play like a slogger," Ramiz Raja concluded.
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