Ramiz Raja on Pakistan’s Victory Over Sri Lanka in 1st Test: Former Pakistan cricketer and current PCB chairman Ramiz Raja lauds Babar Azam-led Pakistan Test team for their recent win against Sri Lanka at the Galle and says that the victory is at par with Pakistan’s historic triumph over India in the 1987 Bangalore Test.
Ramiz Raja on Pakistan’s Victory Over Sri Lanka in 1st Test
During the Pakistan tour of Sri Lanka 2022, both teams are scheduled to play a total of 2 Test matches out of which Pakistan won the first test by 4 wickets and leads the series.
In the first Test against Sri Lanka, the Men in Green were in need of 342 runs to win the 1st Test on the final day of the play.
“From a difficulty point of view I would say this is one of Pakistan’s best Test wins in a run-chase probably the best. In terms of difficult conditions I would say the Galle win is at par with the victory we achieved in Bangalore against India on a turning pitch,” Ramiz told a Pakistani news channel.
Ramiz Raja was part of the team led by Imran Khan that beat India in a low-scoring Test at Bangalore in 1987. He also mentions that not interfering in the team’s matters as chairman allows Babar to build a strong team.
“The team is his property and I am happy to say that not only he as captain but other players also took full ownership of the team and performances,” he said.
“I have never tried to interfere in team matters although as chairman I can and we have given Babar a free hand and he has made a good team. READ: How to Watch Sri Lanka vs Pakistan Test Live
“We should internally also give respect to this team they don’t get the same respect internally that they get internationally.” He said a proper environment and good communication was one of the reason behind the team’s success.
“They will realize after a full circle is completed that unless your captain is strong your team can’t move ahead. Until now I have not interfered in team issues. I just listen to what strategy they have in mind to win a series.
🗣️ The star 🇵🇰 duo of @babarazam258 and @imabd28 reflect on the special Galle triumph 🌟🌟#SLvPAK | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/oGjOXG2LJw
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) July 20, 2022
“A successful model is that we have given the environment to the captain and we have kept a good communication with players and that has led to solutions and a good feeling in the team”.
Ramiz also praised opening batter Abdullah Shafique for his impressive performance in the 2nd innings where he scored a magnificent 160 not out in Pakistan’s run chase. WATCH: Pakistan Players Playing Beach Volleyball Ahead of 2nd Test Against Sri Lanka
“I think he (Abdullah) is a future superstar, in fact, he has already become a super star if you look at his record in Test cricket it is outstanding,” he said.
“He is a classy and temperamentally strong player and remember it is never easy to open the innings. Specially in a fourth innings run chase. But the focus and calmness with which he played is a big achievement for him.”
The second and final test of the tour will be played between July 24-28 in Galle International Stadium, Galle at 04:30 AM GMT / 10:00 AM LOCAL.
READ: Shaheen Shah Afridi Ruled Out of 2nd Test against Sri Lanka
