Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has lashed out at Shan Masood’s team after their 120-run loss to the West Indies. This was the first loss at home for Pakistan against the West Indian side in the last 34 years. Jomel Warrican picked a fifer to bowl out the hosts just before lunch on the third day of the second Test in Multan.
Cricket Pakistan quoted Ramiz Raja as saying, “This is the frustrating part of our cricket. Against top teams, we raise our game, but when facing weaker teams, we drop our standards and play at their level. Basic mistakes that you don't expect from a team like Pakistan were on full display. It's difficult to explain or justify this defeat."
Speaking to the media after the game ended, skipper Shan Masood said, “We have to learn that we can't wait in such Test matches. Only on the first day, there will be such opportunities in which the Test match can be won or lost. Often, it takes time in Test matches where things are decided on the third day. But in such conditions, Test matches can be decided on the first day."
Ramiz Raja bemoans the lack of confidence shown by Pakistan batters
The former Pakistan skipper, while slamming the home team, also went on to add, “The strategy seemed to be focused on exploiting spin-friendly conditions, especially against the West Indies, who aren’t traditionally known for their strength against spin. However, the brutal nature of the pitch meant that winning the toss became crucial. When you lose the toss and fail to capitalise on the conditions, you leave yourself vulnerable, as we saw in the second Test."
Ramiz Raja went on to add, “If you’re relying on spin to win matches, then you need to select players who can play spin confidently, both in batting and bowling. You also need spinners who can handle the pressure and deliver consistently. Instead, we saw a lack of impact from both departments, with even a West Indies spinner, unknown to many before the series, outshining our players.”
“Our batsmen lack the confidence to handle spin in pressure situations, especially when close-in fielders are present. They panic, play rash shots, and throw away their wickets. This is a recurring issue that the team hasn’t learnt from, as the same mistakes were repeated in the second inning." The 62-year-old ended by saying.