(Image source: X.com)
[Saba Sports News] Former Pakistan cricketer Ramiz Raja, who has now become a commentator and is in India to provide commentary for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, has expressed his concerns about the team’s strategy and has also offered suggestions.
Pakistan, who lost their first warm-up match of the World Cup 2023 to New Zealand, once again faced scrutiny after failing to defend a total of 345 runs. New Zealand chased down the target with five wickets and 38 balls remaining.
Ramiz commented on Pakistan’s loss in the first practice game, saying that the team should make a habit of winning, even in warm-up matches.
“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 Asia Cup, and now here. Pakistan scored 345 and it was a great run-chase,” said Ramiz as reported by Hindustan Times.
Furthermore, Ramiz added that if Pakistan’s bowling continues to disappoint like this, it’s the batters’ job to provide a strong start in the initial overs instead of playing defensively as pitches in India are expected to yield scores of around 400 runs.
“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, take risks. And we don’t do that. We play defensively for first 10-15 overs and then shift gears,” he added.
Pakistan has their second warm-up fixture scheduled against Australia in Hyderabad on 3rd October. Their first World Cup game is against the Netherlands in Hyderabad on 6th October.