'It amplifies the pressure': Ramiz Raja hits out at PAK batter, wants Babar to drop him

Nepal lost to Pakistan at the Multan Cricket Stadium on the first day of the Asia Cup 2023. The home team controlled the game after they won the coin toss and chose to bat first. Nepal scored 104 runs before Pakistan bowled them out in 23.4 overs. After 50 overs, they had scored 342 runs. India and Pakistan will play against each other in Group A of the Asia Cup on Saturday.

3 things you need to know

• IND vs PAK will be played on Saturday, September 2, 2023 
• PAK lost the Asia Cup to Sri Lanka last year 
• IND vs PAK will take place at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium

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Pakistan’s Fakhar has been inconsistent for Pakistan

Pakistan defeated Nepal in Multan by 238 runs in the Asia Cup 2023 opener. The world's top batsman, Babar Azam, and the resilient Iftikhar Ahmed stole the show. Babar Azam scored his 19th ODI century with 151 runs off 131 deliveries. Iftikhar Ahmed scored an unbroken 109 runs off 71 balls in his ODI debut. Pakistan's bowlers reduced Nepal's batting lineup to 104 runs in 23.4 overs after these superb centuries helped them reach 342/6.

Pakistan started the match well, but Fakhar Zaman (14) and Imam-ul-Haq (9), their openers, left early. Fakhar's form slump has worried team management. In the recent ODI series against Afghanistan, he scored 2, 30, and 27 in three matches, a worrying decline. An out-of-form opener makes it difficult for Pakistan to prepare for vital Asia Cup and ODI World Cup matches against India in October-November.

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Former Pakistan captain makes a huge statement on Fakhar

Former Pakistan captain and ex-chief selector Ramiz Raja has shared his opinion, suggesting that Fakhar Zaman take a long vacation from the game to restore his focus. Raja's statement implies that a break from cricket would allow Fakhar to recover his form and return to the game with a fresh mindset. This reprieve could potentially allow Fakhar to address his concerns about his current issues and better prepare for future challenges. Talking on his YouTube channel Ramiz Raja said: 

The major concern is Fakhar Zaman. He's an unconventional hitter, and when such players go through a lean patch, finding solutions becomes a drawn-out process. He's a bottom-handed player, often favoring leg-side shots. He's managed to work around that and score even with that technique,

His performance against Afghanistan was also disappointing across three matches. His body language indicates struggle and an in-form opener is crucial for Pakistan. If both Fakhar and Imam perform poorly, it amplifies the pressure. Pakistan needs to evaluate Fakhar's situation. I believe a break would benefit him and the team. Resting him could be a prudent move. He's a talented player who has received opportunities, but considering his current form, risking him against India might not be wise,

Pakistan will face India on Saturday, it will mark the first game of the Asia Cup for the Rohit Sharma-led team. It is expected to rain at the venue during the time of the match, according to the forecast. However, fans do not want the following forecast to be true and will be expecting an hight octane encounter.