New Zealand secured a five-wicket win over Pakistan in the second T20I of the five-match series on Tuesday, extending their lead to 2-0. After the match, Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf acknowledged that cricket in Pakistan has declined but remained hopeful about future improvements, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
Haris Rauf on Pakistan’s Struggles
Speaking about the team’s challenges, Rauf stated:
“There is no doubt that our cricket has declined. But we are building as a team and trying to forge a combination and play cricket that’s required at the top level. We are trying different things, and when we try things, there will be failures, but we will learn. And there will come a day in the future when you will get to see good cricket from the Pakistan team.”
On Criticism and Backing Young Players
Rauf also addressed the criticism faced by the team, emphasizing the need to support young players and give them consistent opportunities.
“You talk about criticism, I think it has become common in Pakistan. These are young players. You go to any place, any team in the world, they give the youngsters full freedom. If they give the youngsters a chance, they make sure to give them 10 to 15 matches at a stretch. That is how they become players.”
He further commented on the trolling culture, stating that many people wait for Pakistan’s loss to criticize the team.
“Everyone who comes into international cricket struggles initially. You talk about criticism, it’s become a norm. Everyone just sits and waits for the Pakistan team to lose so that they can talk about it. They have their opinions, but we are trying to build our team. We are trying to draft the youngsters in, the seniors are also there. As seniors, we motivate our juniors and advise them about what’s required to succeed in international cricket. The quicker they learn, the better it will be for them.”
Pakistan Face Must-Win Situation
Pakistan showed improvement compared to the previous game, but with New Zealand leading the series 2-0, the upcoming third T20I will be a must-win for the visitors to keep the series alive.