With their 142-run victory over Afghanistan in the first ODI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Cricket Stadium, Pakistan now leads the series. The Babar Azam-led batting squad had trouble against a strong spin attack and scored only 201 runs in 47.1 overs.
The batters’ strategy against spinners has gained attention as Pakistan prepares to compete in two major events in Asian conditions. Before a vital ODI season, Ramiz Raja pointed out similar problems with the national batting department after the first match.
Facing spinners will be a problem for Pakistan
Ramiz Raja mentioned in an interview that facing spinners is a problem for the Green Shirts and that it needs to be fixed before the big tournaments. The cricketer-turned-commentator went on to say that the fact that both tournaments are held under comparable weather circumstances highlights the urgency with which this flaw must be addressed.
Without fixing this, we won’t be able to move forward in these competitions. Like rabbits in the headlights of a car, the batters seemed confused, he claimed. Ramiz Raja added that Babar Azam has been crucial to the success of the Pakistan team in all formats (Tests, ODIs, and T20Is).
Mujeeb Ur Rahman grabbed three, Mohammad Nabi and Rashid Khan both got two, while Rahmat Shah got one as the Afghan spinners took eight wickets.
To read our article about “Pakistan’s 2023 ODI World Cup kit design faces controversy” click here.
