Former Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Ramiz Raja criticized Pakistan’s decision to start its Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand instead of Bangladesh, following a significant loss to India. He suggested that facing Bangladesh first would have reduced pressure on the team and established a more balanced competitive environment in Group A. After a disappointing 60-run defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan found itself in a dire situation, compounded by their earlier loss to India. Ramiz praised Virat Kohli’s exceptional performance, highlighting his strategic approach that led India to victory and Pakistan’s struggles against a formidable opponent.
Former Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja expressed his concerns regarding Pakistan’s decision to start their Champions Trophy campaign against New Zealand instead of facing Bangladesh, especially after Pakistan suffered a crushing defeat to India in a high-stakes match in Dubai. Following Pakistan’s significant loss to India, which put their title defense at risk, Ramiz scrutinized the team’s game plan. “I wonder why Pakistan opted for New Zealand as their first match. They should have started against Bangladesh. While Bangladesh is a capable side, it would have still been a relatively easier match for them,” Ramiz stated on his YouTube channel.
According to Ramiz, commencing the tournament against Bangladesh would have balanced the pressure across the teams in Group A, preventing New Zealand from seizing an early upper hand. Pakistan’s loss to New Zealand further intensified the pressure on the team after the defeat against India.
After conceding a hefty 60-run defeat to New Zealand, the importance of their nail-biting clash against their long-standing rivals India increased dramatically.
For Pakistan, victory was vital to keep their Champions Trophy hopes alive. However, the Men in Green found themselves powerless against the formidable Indian side, ultimately losing the match by six wickets.
Schedule Conspiracy?
“They faced New Zealand in the opener and lost. This defeat placed considerable pressure on Pakistan. I can’t grasp why they chose to play their first match against New Zealand or India. Had they done so, the pressure would have been evenly distributed,” he remarked.
In the intense encounter, Virat Kohli played a pivotal role in putting Pakistan’s title defense at risk. Often acknowledged as the ‘chase master’, Virat emerged as an insurmountable obstacle for Pakistan, even after they implemented their strategy.
He expertly navigated the chase for the 242-run target, executing it with precision. While guiding India to victory, he scored his 51st ODI century and became the fastest player to reach 14,000 ODI runs.
With a shot executed flawlessly, Virat celebrated his unbeaten century and India’s six-wicket triumph with several overs left to play.
“Virat’s innings showcased everything; there was composure and aggression. He maintained a consistent pace throughout. Overall, Virat Kohli was a comprehensive package. He continually challenges himself. He played assertively against each bowler and denied anyone the chance to settle,” Ramiz added.
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