Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has slammed Babar Azam-led Pakistan for their embarrassing loss to an under-powered New Zealand team by seven wickets in the third T20I of the five-T20I series. In the absence of senior players who are busy playing in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024, Michael Bracewell’s New Zealand won on the back of Mark Chapman’s unbeaten 87 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on April 21.
"Losing is a part of cricket, but such a defeat shakes the foundation a bit, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing at home, on your favourite surface, against a team that isn't even a complete side - not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss," said Raja on his YouTube channel.
Raja was shocked by the turnaround as Pakistan bowled out New Zealand for a paltry total of 90 in the second T20I.
“Let's admit that in T20, anyone's luck can change, but such a drastic turn of tables within 24 hours is a blow to Pakistan's reputation. For some time now, there has been a notion that you can expect anything from Pakistan on a given day. Just 24 hours ago, Pakistan defeated them by 7 wickets, and 24 hours later, they themselves suffered a 7-wicket defeat. This should not happen," he added.
Raja expected a total in excess of 250
Pakistan posted a total of 178/4 after they were put to bat first. Shadab Khan turned out to be their top-scorer with a 20-ball 41. Saim Ayub and skipper Babar got good starts but failed to convert them into big scores. Raja feels that the set batter should have gone on to score big and taken Pakistan's score past 250.
"The batsmen who are set should not get out after scoring just 20-30 runs. That's why the score is only 180. This pitch is worth at least 250 runs, as we know how many runs have been scored here before. Pakistan scored fewer runs, and no one played a long innings," said the 61-year-old.
After levelling the series 1-1, the fourth T20I of the series will be played at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on April 25.
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