"Not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss" - Ramiz Raja slams Pakistan for 3rd T20I defeat vs NZ
Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja slammed the Men in Green for the seven-wicket defeat in the third T20I against a depleted New Zealand outfit in Rawalpindi.
Led by Michael Bracewell in the absence of several frontline players, New Zealand lost the second T20I after the first clash was washed out due to inclement weather. With the expectations of a similar result in the remaining matches, the Kiwis pulled a rabbit out of the hat in the third encounter.
The visitors pulled off an excellent run-chase of 179 without much trouble, winning by seven wickets with 10 balls to spare.
Talking about the game on his YouTube channel, Ramiz Raja had strong words of displeasure on Pakistan's lackluster performance.
"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.
He added:
"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."
After a rapid start of 55/0 in the powerplay with the bat, the Men in Green slowed down in the middle period to reach only a sub-par total of 178/4 in 20 overs.
In reply, New Zealand was led by a magnificent 42-ball 87* from Mark Chapman as they completed the series-leveling run-chase in 18.2 overs.
"The batsmen who are set should not get out after scoring just 20-30 runs" - Ramiz Raja
Ramiz Raja felt several Pakistan batters got out after getting their eye in, resulting in the side falling woefully short of a formidable total on a batting paradise at Rawalpindi.
Skipper Babar Azam was a primary culprit, getting dismissed for a 29-ball 37. His opening partner Saim Ayub was not much better, scoring 32 off 22 before falling in the first over after the powerplay.
"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 Raja.
The former skipper was also unhappy with Pakistan's bowling display and said:
"The bowling performance was also quite mediocre. The frontline bowlers, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi, had a very dull day."
After bowling New Zealand out for just 90 in the previous game, Pakistan bowlers provided too many loose deliveries, resulting in a convincing victory for the visitors.
With the series level at 1-1, the action moves to Lahore for the final two T20Is on April 25 and April 27.