Ramiz Raja Slams Pakistan Bowlers for Leaking Runs Against Ireland
Pakistan’s former cricket board chairman, Ramiz Raja, has expressed his disappointment with the performance of the team’s bowlers in the second T20I against Ireland. Despite Pakistan’s comprehensive victory, Raja criticized the bowlers for conceding 162 runs in the first innings.
Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir, Naseem Shah, and Abbas Afridi combined to give away runs at a hefty economy rate, with Shaheen and Amir proving particularly costly. Shaheen conceded 49 runs in his four-over spell, while Amir gave away 44 runs.
Raja believes that Pakistan’s bowlers have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. He pointed out that the team’s success has been built on the strength of its pacers, but they have been inconsistent in recent times.
“Pakistan’s top bowlers giving away so many runs against Ireland, then it will become hard for the team in future,” Raja said. “Pakistan’s forte, and success are based on the bowlers, especially pacers, they have been struggling since last year’s World Cup in India. Two balls are good and then three deliveries are bad, this makes the situation tough.”
Pakistan’s decision to bowl first backfired as Ireland posted a competitive total of 193/7. Lorcan Tucker led the charge with 51 runs, while Harry Tector and Curtis Campher provided valuable support.
In reply, Mohammad Rizwan and Fakhar Zaman laid the foundation for Pakistan’s chase with half-centuries. Azam Khan then sealed the victory with three consecutive sixes.
The series is now level at 1-1, with the third and deciding match scheduled for Tuesday at the Clontarf Cricket Club in Dublin.
