NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja criticized Pakistan for their disappointing performance against India in the ODI World Cup, describing the loss as "hurting" and "scarring." India had bowled out Pakistan for a mere 191 runs and then, led by Rohit Sharma's dominant half-century, secured a seven-wicket victory with nearly 20 overs to spare in Ahmedabad.
Raja, speaking on the ICC Review Podcast, expressed his disappointment with Pakistan's performance, saying, "It's going to hurt them. It's scarring, it's a pasting, it's a battering, and they've been outpaced and outplayed in all three departments. If you can't win, then at least compete. Pakistan weren't able to do that."
The defeat marked Pakistan's eighth consecutive loss to India in ODI World Cups, and Raja stressed the need for Pakistan to address this unwelcome streak. He acknowledged that Pakistan players face intense pressure in matches against India but emphasized the importance of overcoming it.
"When you're playing against India, it's such an environment where it's 99 percent India fans and crowds, you're obviously overwhelmed. I understand all of that. But Babar Azam has led this side for a good four or five years, so you've got to rise to the occasion," Raja said.
Raja suggested that Pakistan players should draw inspiration from India's ability to handle pressure in high-stakes encounters, commending India for maintaining their performance in World Cup matches against Pakistan.
1/10:India hand Pakistan seven-wicket World Cup rout
2/10:Skipper Rohit stars for India
<p>Skipper Rohit Sharma's 86 and an inspired bowling display helped India hammer Pakistan by seven wickets in their high-profile World Cup clash in Ahmedabad.</p>AFP
3/10:Pakistan bowl out for 191
<p>India bowled out Pakistan for 191 after their rivals collapsed from 155/2.</p>ANI
4/10:Winning streak continues!
<p>They overhauled the total with 117 balls to spare to extend their unbeaten streak against their neighbours to eight in the 50-over showpiece tournament.</p>AFP
5/10:India on top
<p>Rohit stood out in his 63-ball knock laced with six fours and six sixes to keep India unbeaten in their three matches in this edition.</p>ANI
6/10:Pakistan's first defeat
<p>Pakistan now have two wins and one defeat in the 10-nation tournament.</p>AFP
7/10:Bumrah's inspirational spell
<p>"It felt good," said man of the match, Indian fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah who had figures of 2-19 off nine overs.</p>PTI
8/10:The 'Hitman-show' in Ahmedabad
<p>Rohit hit the ball to all parts of the ground with his delightful flicks and pulls to entertain an almost all-Indian crowd at the world's biggest cricket stadium.</p>AFP
9/10:Gill and Kohli fell early
<p>India lost Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli before Rohit and Shreyas Iyer, who hit the winning four to reach 53, put on 77 runs and placed India comfortably on course for victory.</p>
10/10:Rohit misses hundred
<p>Rohit fell attempting another hit off Shaheen Shah Afridi to get caught at mid-wicket, but Iyer and KL Rahul took the team home with ease. </p>PTIHe encouraged Pakistan's captain, Babar Azam, and other senior players to support the younger members of the team so that they can perform strongly in their upcoming matches.
With two wins and four points in the tournament, Pakistan is still in contention for a spot in the World Cup semifinals. Raja emphasized the need for honest team discussions and a collective effort to address their challenges and perform better in future matches.
(With PTI inputs)
