Ramiz Raja, the chairman of the cricket board in Pakistan, has lauded the team’s performance in the first Test against Sri Lanka. He said that he was delighted with the win and the victory was on par with the one against India at Bangalore in 1987. Pakistan chased down a massive total of 342 with 4 wickets in hand in the recently concluded first Test against Sri Lanka.
Abdullah Shafique, top scored with an unbeaten 160, while Babar managed to put up 55 runs. The team chased down the target pretty easily.
“From a difficulty point of view I would say this is one of Pakistan’s best Test wins in a run-chase probably the best. In terms of difficult conditions I would say the Galle win is at par with the victory we achieved in Bangalore against India on a turning pitch,” Ramiz told.
In an interview with a Pakistani news channel, Ramiz Raja told that he never interferes in team issues and had given Babar a free hand.
“I have never tried to interfere in team matters although as chairman I can and we have given Babar a free hand and he has made a good team,” Ramiz added. He said that the strong communication within the team was one of major reasons for the victory.
“A successful model is that we have given the environment to the captain and we have kept a good communication with players and that has led to solutions and a good feeling in the team,” Ramiz opined. He stressed the fact that the team must be respected internally. He argued that it does not get the same respect it gets beyond borders.
He also praised Abdullah Shafique for his unbeaten 160 and said that he has already become a superstar. ” think he (Abdullah) is a future superstar, in fact, he has already become a superstar. If you look at his record in Test cricket it is outstanding,” Ramiz concluded.
Pakistan would look to continue their momentum and seal the series with a win. The second test is scheduled to start from July 24 at the same venue.
