Ramiz Raja suggests changes for Pakistan ahead of final T20I against England

In the second T20I between England and Pakistan, the visitors ended on a losing note once again despite a decent show with the bat. The Men in Green put a massive 195/4 on board, but the hosts sported an extraordinary show and achieved the target with 5 balls to spare. Skipper Eoin Morgan and Dawid Malan’s half-centuries became vital in paving the way for victory for the home side.

Analysing the team set up, Pakistan’s commentator Ramiz Raja has suggested some possible changes in the squad so that they can at least draw the T20I series in the final match taking place on Tuesday, September 1. The former cricketer proposed that balancing the batting and bowling performances in the team is utmost essential, and Pakistan have been getting weak in that zone only.

“Pakistan needs to realise that England are a top-quality side. You cannot relax against them even if you score 200, they can always put you under pressure. Pakistan did not bowl well [in the second T20I] as opposed to the first T20I. Pakistan need to balance out their performance with the bat and bowl, otherwise they will be in trouble often. The Men in Green still have a chance to win the last match and come back home with a drawn series,” Raja said on his YouTube channel.

Pakistan’s advantage is spin department: Ramiz Raja

The 58-year-old further suggested that pacer Mohammad Amir might not land up in the team owing to hamstring injury, and, therefore, inclusion of pacer Wahab Riaz or any additional spinner would do the job perfectly for the Pakistan team.

“Mohammad Amir might not play due to injury, which could pave the way for Wahab Riaz. If the management does not want to play him [Riaz] then they can opt for another spinner. I think Pakistan’s advantage against England lies in their spin department. They can dominate with spin. Their strategy will be interesting to see going forward because they must have gained a lot of confidence through their batting, but the bowling department did not perform well,” Raja added.

Earlier this year, Pakistan lost their no.1 T20I ranking and another series loss won’t help their cause by any means.