Former Pakistan batter Basit Ali has criticised the national cricket team following their dismal performance in the One Day International (ODI) series against New Zealand. The visitors suffered a clean sweep, losing the third and final match by 43 runs on Saturday, compounding their woes after a 4-1 defeat in the preceding T20I series.
After the defeat Basit was frustrated and while speaking on his YouTube channel labelled the day a “black day in Pakistan cricket. “He drew a stark contrast between the current team’s struggles and the dominance Pakistan once held over New Zealand, particularly highlighting the era of legendary fast bowlers Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis.
Basit said, “In my eyes, today was the black day in Pakistan cricket. Even for those who left the game”
He added, “When Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis used to bowl, the New Zealand batters couldn’t move their foot. Now, they’re doing commentary and criticising us. They were laughing at us when Pakistan sent Usman Khan as concussion substitute.”
Rizwan’s inefficiency
Basit also criticised Captain Mohammad Rizwan and questioned his leadership.”Where was Rizwan (when Imam left the field)? His captaincy was so bad, he doesn’t even know who to bowl at what overs. It’s like school cricket,” he asserted.
Imam-ul-Haq’s injury
Furthermore, Basit expressed scepticism regarding the injury sustained by opener Imam-ul-Haq, suggesting it was a ploy to avoid further pressure.
“Imam got scared after being hit and walked off. He just wanted to save himself. Does he think we can’t see? All of these players want money. It’s the tragedy of Pakistan cricket. There’s no one to replace them. Even if you sit out in one series, you can come back in the next,” Basit explained, highlighting his concerns about the players’ commitment.
Need for improvement
After the match, Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan acknowledged the team’s shortcomings and the need for improvement. “Disappointing series for us. (Positives) Babar was in good touch with two fifties. Naseem Shah’s batting as well. In the bowling, Sufiyan Muqeem was the guy who bowled really well. I give credit to New Zealand in all departments. They’ve been playing well,” Rizwan said during the post-match presentation.
He further added, “We know that these are difficult conditions for us here, but they played in Pakistan really well. They played against us in Pakistan. There are professionals in all departments. We need to improve, that’s it.”
When questioned about whether Saturday’s performance was their best of the tour despite the loss, Rizwan stated, “If you lose, you can’t say like that. Individually, we are good. New Zealand won all the key moments. After the Champions Trophy and this series, we’ll leave the past. PSL is a big tournament for us in Pakistan, hopefully our nation will enjoy. Hopefully, we’ll do well in PSL.”