Former Pakistan captian Ramiz Raja has advised Pakistan to stay away from cricket on rest days as they take on Sri Lanka tomorrow in the all-important Asia Cup Super 4 game at R. Premedasa Stadium in Colombo.
India, last night, advanced to the final after beating Sri Lanka by 41 runs. The winner of the Pakistan vs. Sri Lanka clash would earn the right to face India in the final, making it a high-stakes encounter.
On his YouTube channel "Ramiz Speaks", Raja suggested Babar Azam and his men to use their rest days to regroup and relax.
"The players should spend time together rather than doing compulsory practice but casual practice is fine. They should unwind by the pool and avoid news channels and social media. The post-match criticism and accusations are common following a heavy defeat,” said Raja.
Raja praised Babar Azam's leadership and expressed confidence that the team would bounce back before their crucial match.
"Babar has kept this team together and I know they will again lift themselves up again before the game," he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Raja shared his analysis on the pitch of game between India and Sri Lanka. India managed to score 213 on a tough pitch where all ten wickets were taken by Sri Lankan spinners. Dunith Wellalage took his first international fifer while part-timer Charith Asalanka bagged four.
"When your makeshift spinner takes four wickets and regular spinner bags five, it depicts pitch was not that great as there was no difference between regular and non-regular spinners," he continued.
Raja also praised India's batting effort, emphasising their ability to collectively amass a competitive score of 200 runs on a tricky pitch. He noted that India's batting prowess had been a key factor in their success throughout the tournament.
"India once again showed how to collectively put up a score of 200 on a tough pitch and it was enough at the end to win the game," he added.
Looking ahead to the crucial match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka, Raja pointed out that India's victory had created a glimmer of hope for Pakistan.
"Sri Lanka will now face Pakistan in a do-or-die encounter. India have created a ray of hope for Pakistan. We will now see whether Pakistan will take advantage or will remain on the backfoot against Sri Lanka," he concluded.
