"Its an embarrassing loss," Ramiz Raja takes a dig at Pakistan team

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Former Pakistan cricketer, Ramiz Raja, takes a dig at the Pakistan cricket team after their defeat to a less experienced New Zealand side in the third T20I held at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. 

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja did not mince words about the team's performance, especially with the upcoming World Cup in sight.

"Losing is a part of cricket, but such a defeat shakes the foundation a bit, especially with the World Cup just around the corner. Playing at home, on your favorite surface, against a team that isn't even a complete side - not a first-tier or even a second-tier New Zealand team - makes it an embarrassing loss," Ramiz Raja said.

"Let's admit that in T20, anyone's luck can change, but such a drastic turn of tables within 24 hours is a blow to Pakistan's reputation. For some time now, there has been a notion that you can expect anything from Pakistan on a given day. Just 24 hours ago, Pakistan defeated them by 7 wickets, and 24 hours later, they themselves suffered a 7-wicket defeat. This should not happen," he added.

The former PCB chairman also targeted the batsmen's inability to capitalize on their starts, criticizing them for not playing longer innings.

"The batsmen who are set should not get out after scoring just 20-30 runs. That's why the score is only 180. This pitch is worth at least 250 runs, as we know how many runs have been scored here before. Pakistan scored fewer runs, and no one played a long innings. The bowling performance was also quite mediocre. The frontline bowlers, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi had a very dull day," he concluded.

The Men in Green batted first and posted a total of 178 runs, losing four wickets in the process during the first innings. Shadab emerged as the highest scorer with 41 runs off 20 deliveries, including four boundaries and two sixes. Babar Azam and Saim Ayub added 37 and 32 runs respectively, while Irfan Niazi remained unbeaten with 30 runs off 20 balls.

New Zealand's Mark Chapman starred in the game, scoring an impressive 87 runs from 42 balls, an innings that ultimately led to New Zealand's victory and leveled the series at 1-1. Chapman's performance was particularly praised by Afridi, who regarded it as a lesson in how to finish matches effectively.

The series continues with the next two matches scheduled to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on April 25 and 27.