‘India Did Pakistan A Favour By Playing Poorly…’: Ex-PCB Chief Ramiz Raja Says Babar's Team ‘freezes’ Under Pressure

In the recent high-stakes T20 World Cup Group A match between India and Pakistan, former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chief Ramiz Raja did not hold back his criticism of both teams’ performances. Raja pointed out that India, despite being in a strong position at 80/3 in the first 10 overs, squandered their advantage due to poor shot selection and a reckless approach. “India did Pakistan a favour by playing poorly,” Raja remarked, emphasizing how the Indian team’s attempt to go for quick runs ultimately backfired. According to him, if India had played more cautiously, they could have set a target that would have been beyond Pakistan’s reach.

Mid-Innings Collapse: A Turning Point

India’s middle-order collapse saw the team lose seven wickets for just 30 runs, reducing them from a potential score of over 150 to being bowled out for 119 in 19 overs. The dismissals of key players like Suryakumar Yadav, Shivam Dube, and Rishabh Pant, some due to excellent bowling and others to poor shot selection, were pivotal. Raja noted, “India were playing like mavericks… because of their faulty shot-making and some good bowling, Pakistan came back into the game.” Despite the collapse, India’s bowlers managed to defend the modest total, showcasing the depth and resilience of their bowling attack.

Pakistan’s Lack of Intent and Awareness

Raja was equally critical of Pakistan’s approach during their run chase. He highlighted the lack of positive intent and game awareness, particularly pointing out Mohammad Rizwan’s crucial wicket. Rizwan, who was the backbone of Pakistan’s innings, was bowled by Jasprit Bumrah while attempting an ill-advised shot across the line. “That Rizwan shot off Bumrah was not on. Bumrah had come in to provide the breakthrough,” Raja said. He emphasized that if Pakistan had shown more composure against Bumrah’s overs, the match could have turned in their favor.

Jasprit Bumrah: The Game Changer

Jasprit Bumrah’s spell was indeed the turning point of the match. Known for his ability to deliver in crucial moments, Bumrah did not disappoint. His figures of 3/14, coupled with Hardik Pandya’s support (2/24), ensured that Pakistan’s chase never gained momentum. Raja praised Bumrah, saying, “Give him the ball in any crunch moment and he will deliver. There is so much clarity in his mind on what he wants to do and he’s always a step ahead of the opponent.” Bumrah’s performance underlined his status as one of the premier bowlers in world cricket, capable of changing the course of a match with his precision and skill.

Pakistan’s Psychological Barrier Against India

Raja also touched upon a recurring issue for Pakistan in high-pressure games against India: the tendency to freeze under pressure. Despite needing only 40 runs off 36 balls with six wickets in hand, Pakistan’s lower-middle order crumbled after Rizwan’s dismissal. “You got to do simple things. It was a difficult pitch… You couldn’t be aggressive because there was variation in the bounce,” Raja explained. He lamented Pakistan’s inability to capitalize on their advantageous position, attributing it to a lack of temperament and the psychological pressure of playing against India.

Missed Opportunity: Lessons for Pakistan

Reflecting on the match, Raja expressed his frustration at Pakistan’s missed opportunity. He pointed out that chasing a modest total of 120 required just one solid partnership and no heroics. “Why did you let it slip? That’s got to do with temperament,” he said. Raja’s comments underscore the importance of mental toughness and strategic thinking in cricket, especially in high-pressure situations. The former batter urged Pakistan to learn from their mistakes and focus on building partnerships rather than going for aggressive shots on tricky pitches.

Moving Forward: A Call for Better Game Awareness

The India vs Pakistan match at the T20 World Cup 2024 highlighted key areas for improvement for both teams. For India, it was a lesson in balancing aggression with caution, especially on challenging pitches. For Pakistan, it emphasized the need for better game awareness and mental resilience. Raja’s critique serves as a call to both teams to refine their strategies and approach, ensuring they can perform under pressure and capitalize on their strengths. As the tournament progresses, these insights will be crucial for both sides to navigate the challenges ahead and aim for success in the World Cup.

Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward

The T20 World Cup match between India and Pakistan provided a dramatic spectacle, revealing both teams’ strengths and weaknesses. While India’s reckless batting almost cost them the game, their bowlers stepped up to defend a modest total. Pakistan, on the other hand, failed to capitalize on India’s mistakes due to a lack of intent and poor game awareness. Ramiz Raja’s analysis offers valuable lessons for both teams as they move forward in the tournament. By learning from these mistakes and focusing on strategic, composed gameplay, both India and Pakistan can improve their chances of success in future matches.

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