Cricket raja reveals key to beat Proteas

BIRMINGHAM: Former captain Ramiz Raja says Pakistan can only bounce back from the heavy defeat against India by playing aggressive and attacking cricket in their match against South Africa.

Talking to Geo News, Ramiz, who is also known as Raja of cricket, said top-ranked South Africa are favourites to win today’s game but Pakistan may have a chance against the Proteas if they do not repeat their mistakes and head into the match with renewed confidence.’

He suggested, “There is too much predictability in our batting lineup. [Captain] Sarfraz Ahmed should bat at number 3 or 4 because we need running between the wickets and a surprise element in our batting. He could be that surprise for the Protean bowling attack.”

Keeping in sight the pitch and weather conditions, Pakistan should open bowling with pacers, not spinners, he added.

“The key would be how well our batsmen can play South African spin,” Ramiz cautioned, adding that although the opponent pacers are not that threatening, the spinners especially Imran Tahir could give a tough time to the batsmen.

It is pertinent to mention here, Pakistan face South Africa in a must-win clash at Edgbaston on Wednesday (today).

South Africa have already won their opening match against Sri Lanka, whereas Pakistan suffered a 124-run defeat to India in their earlier match and are desperately seeking victory today.