Ramiz Raja criticizes Pakistan pacers after heavy defeat against New Zealand in Tri-Series ODI

Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja has strongly criticized Pakistan’s bowling performance after their 78-run defeat against New Zealand in the opening match of the ODI tri-series in Lahore. Ramiz expressed his disappointment over the pacers’ inability to contain runs, particularly in the death overs, as New Zealand posted a mammoth total of 330/6.

The match served as a crucial preview of the teams’ strengths ahead of their Champions Trophy opener on February 19. Pakistan had initially put New Zealand under pressure, reducing them to 39/2 in 7.4 overs. However, the Kiwi batters gradually took control, with Daryl Mitchell’s composed 81 off 84 balls setting the foundation for a late assault.

New Zealand’s innings took a dramatic turn in the final overs, thanks to Glenn Phillips’ explosive batting display. Pakistan’s bowlers struggled to contain him as he launched a brutal attack, particularly in the last six overs. Out of his unbeaten 106, Phillips hammered 77 runs in just 32 balls, taking Pakistan’s bowling apart.

Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, Pakistan’s frontline pacers, faced the brunt of the onslaught. While Shaheen managed to pick up three wickets, he conceded a staggering 88 runs in his 10 overs. Naseem, on the other hand, went wicketless and gave away 70 runs in his full quota. Ramiz Raja, commenting on the performance, said, “It felt like New Zealand was the home team. Their players looked fitter, adapted better to conditions, and had well-defined roles. They did everything right.”

Phillips’ aggressive stroke play was particularly damaging in the death overs. His intent became evident in the 42nd over when he dispatched Salman Agha for a six. From there, he unleashed a devastating attack, smashing Afridi for two consecutive sixes in the 48th over and then plundering 17 runs off Naseem in the penultimate over. He saved his most destructive hitting for the final over, hammering 25 runs off Afridi to take New Zealand past 330.

Ramiz further questioned Pakistan’s ability to take 10 wickets on batting-friendly pitches in the upcoming Champions Trophy, pointing out a lack of variation in the bowling attack. “Can this Pakistan team take 10 wickets on such tracks? The bowling attack lacks control and variation. The team looked frozen in time, scared, and trembling during the game. Our bowlers couldn’t even bowl a proper slower ball,” he remarked.