Ramiz_Raja

Picture Credit: Twitter

Former Pakistan captain Ramiz Raja has made a big statement regarding the Pakistan cricket team. In a bold confession, Raja said that he won’t be surprised if Afghanistan upset Pakistan in a T20 match between the two countries. The cricketer turned commentator has been mighty impressed with the performances of Afghanistan cricketers like Hazratullah Zazai, Najibullah Zadran and Rashid Khan in PSL 2021.

Notably, his remark comes after Zazai was named the man of the match as Peshawar Zalmi defeated Islamabad United by 8 wickets in Eliminator 2 of PSL 2021 on Tuesday to secure their place in the final against Multan Sultans on Thursday. Zazai smashed 66 off 44 with the help of six fours and four sixes.

“Pakistani fans had not seen a lot of Zazai before. There are a few more players like him in the Afghanistan team. Islamabad United had three T20 players, who are in the current Pakistan team. They bowled to Zazai, including Shadab Khan, who is the vice-captain of the Pakistan T20 team,” he said in a video uploaded on his Youtube channel.

“But, none of them could make any impact on Zazai, who has raw talent and ability. His temperament is really strong. This is the attitude that makes Afghanistan a dangerous side. I wouldn’t be surprised if Afghanistan upset Pakistan if two T20 matches are played between the two teams,” he added.

Zazai had earlier made 77 of 38 balls in Eliminator 1 against Karachi Kings and 63 off 26 deliveries against the same opponent in the league stage. He was chosen as the player of the match on both the earlier occasions.

Afghanistan batting is improving, observes Raja

Raja observed that Afghanistan have always been a strong bowling side but now even their batting is improving.

"Afghanistan have very good spinners, they have experience in Rashid Khan, and a lot of very good talent. They looked slightly weak in the batting department. But, if Zazai continues to play this way (things could change). They also have (Najibullah) Zadran,” he stated.

“We have seen how nicely he had anchored the innings in the middle-order during the PSL itself. Pakistan should hear the danger bells ringing. They need to find out why they cannot produce players like Zazai, who can stand up and deliver under pressure. They need to introspect,” he further said.