With Pakistan in a do-or-die situation against Sri Lanka, Ramiz Raja has a piece of advice for Babar Azam's men.
With Team India sealing a berth in the final of the Asia Cup 2023, Pakistan and Sri Lanka will fight it out between each other to in their Super 4 encounter to book their place in the final. Both the sides have won one game each (against Bangladesh) and meet in a virtual knockout game to determine who will join India on September 17 in the final of the Asia Cup 2023. (More Cricket news)
India defeated Sri Lanka by 41 runs in their last Super 4 tie. Rohit Sharma's men lead the table with four points with Pakistan who are behind with a negative NRR, thanks to their heavy defeat to India in the Super 4 stage match.
Babar Azam's men suffered a crushing 228-run defeat at the hands of India. Led by Virat Kohli's 47th ODI ton and KL Rahul's comeback century, India posted a formidable 356/2 in 50 overs. In reply, Pakistan were bowled out for 128, with Kuldeep Yadav bagging a five-wicket haul.
The heavy defeat has taken it's toll on Pakistan. Naseem Shah has been ruled out of the tournament with Zaman Khan roped in as his replacement. Haris Rauf was injured as well. Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja believes that Babar Azam's men must not think too much and instead, direct their focus on against Sri Lanka in the crucial Super 4 game.
“India have given Pakistan a ray of hope with the win over Sri Lanka. Now we've to see if Pakistan can take benefit from that, or whether they will be low on spirits because of the defeat against India. They need some time off the game, they have to be mentally switched-off, they got a reserve day. They've got a good two-day rest period where they shouldn't think of cricket or the defeat but get together and talk,” said Ramiz on his official YouTube channel.
“If anyone needs special practice, they can take it. Go to pool, relax. Don't touch social media, don't watch television channels. There won't be anything good there because whole Pakistan is disappointed. Get united. You point fingers at each other after such defeats, that too against India. That shouldn't happen. I'm sure Babar Azam has united this team really well, and his work is to assure his players and get the team high in spirit ahead of the Sri Lanka clash.”
Pakistan will be without Fakhar Zaman for their match against Sri Lanka along with Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf.