Ramiz Raja Urges Improvement of West Indies Pitches

Former Pakistan cricket captain Ramiz Raja has voiced his concerns regarding the quality of pitches in the West Indies, suggesting they contribute to the area’s cricketing decline.

In a statement on his YouTube channel on Monday, Ramiz noted that the surfaces, especially those in Trinidad, do not align with international benchmarks, thereby impeding the squad’s competitiveness.

“I’ve previously mentioned that West Indies pitches, notably in Trinidad, are below par, which impedes the growth of cricket in the region,” he stated.

Ramiz believes that many Caribbean pitches share this issue, presenting conditions rarely seen in international tournaments.

He underscored the importance of immediate upgrades if West Indies cricket hopes to reclaim its former prominence.

“Substantial improvements to West Indies pitches are essential. Such conditions are uncommon in ICC events,” he concluded.

Notably, West Indies clinched a narrow five-wicket win against Pakistan in the second rain-affected One Day International (ODI). The series is now tied at 1-1, thanks to pivotal performances by Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, and captain Shai Hope.

The match was shortened to 35 overs due to rainfall. West Indies, in pursuit of 181, faced an early setback when Hasan Ali dismissed Brandon King for just one run in the second over.

Ali soon struck again, removing Evin Lewis for seven, leaving the hosts struggling at 12-2 within 3.1 overs.

The West Indies middle order encountered further difficulties when Keacy Carty was cheaply dismissed for 16, giving Abrar Ahmed his first wicket. Sherfane Rutherford then launched an aggressive counter-attack, pressuring Pakistan’s bowlers.

Abrar gave up 20 runs in Rutherford’s over as their fourth-wicket partnership flourished.

Mohammad Nawaz ended the partnership by dismissing Shai Hope, who scored 32 from 35 balls, including two fours and a six.

Rutherford, nearing his half-century, was also dismissed by Nawaz after contributing 45 off 33 deliveries, which included four boundaries and three sixes.

As the game progressed, Roston Chase and Justin Greaves formed a significant 73-run partnership. Chase remained unbeaten with 49 from 47 balls, while Greaves added 26 runs off 31 deliveries, securing West Indies’ victory in 33.2 overs.

Earlier, Pakistan’s innings began cautiously but faltered due to effective bowling from Jayden Seales, who claimed important wickets, including captain Babar Azam for a duck.

Abdullah Shafique and Mohammad Rizwan attempted to stabilize the innings but only managed 27 runs together before Shafique was dismissed in the 17th over, scoring 26 off 40 balls with three fours.

At 88-4 in 22 overs, Pakistan’s position appeared precarious. Hussain Talat added a valuable 31 off 32 deliveries but was caught behind off Roston Chase’s bowling.

Hasan Nawaz provided late momentum with powerful hitting, helping Pakistan reach a defendable total. He remained unbeaten with 36 off 30 balls, including three sixes, while Shaheen Afridi contributed an unbeaten 11 off seven balls.

Seales concluded with figures of 3/23, while Gudakesh Motie, Roston Chase, Shamar Joseph, and Jediah Blades each took one wicket for the hosts.