Former Pakistani captain and chairman Ramiz Raza has kept his feelings about the match at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Sunday, Pakistan (PAK) and New Zealand (NZ) played their third Twenty20, where Pakistan lost by seven wickets. Pakistani batsmen have proven their ability to bat consistently, but their so-called bowling strength has let them down the most. Ramiz Raza also expresses his disappointment in his country for the loss, saying that he thought Pakistan’s full-strength team could defeat this third-tier New Zealand team with ease.
Pakistan’s batting performance against New Zealand was quite impressive, as they set the target of 178 runs. Opener batsman Sam Ayub and captain Babar Azam’s important opening partnership of 55 runs got things going, but Shadab Khan took over in the last over and produced a strong 40-run in 20 balls. Pakistan’s strong bowling is unable to contain New Zealand and has failed to deliver here. The unconventional move of dropping their quality bowler, Mohammad Amir, during this match, speaks strongly about Pakistan’s bowling, as Shaheen Shah Afridi is thrashed for 37 runs in 4 overs.
On the other hand, New Zealand performed admirably despite missing the key players, but they will never use this as an excuse. In these world-class bowling sites, Mark Chapman is playing exceptionally well, scoring 87 runs in 42 balls and striking at a strike rate of 207. He is leading the team to victory and demonstrating his true ability by giving his all at these times.
Ramiz Raza used the phrase “embarrassing” to criticize the Men in Green for their defeat to New Zealand.
This is the reason why Ramiz Raza, speaking on a YouTube channel, expressed his blatant disbelief in the Men in Green. He claimed that while winning and losing games are part of sports, losing always makes you stronger at the moment when you have the chance to play your best because the World Cup is approaching. In his conclusion, Ramiz Raza added that this New Zealand team is a third-tier team rather than a first- or second-tier one and that losing to these teams is always disheartening.
“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 Ramiz Raja.
Also Read: PAK vs NZ : Stunning Mark Chapman onslaught helps New Zealand make it 1-1 vs Pakistan.