Dunedin: New Zealand achieved a five-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second T20I of the five-match series held in Dunedin on Tuesday. Following the match, Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf acknowledged that cricket in Pakistan has "declined," but expressed optimism for the future, stating, "we are working on building our team," according to ESPNcricinfo.
"There is no denying that our cricket has faced challenges. However, we are focused on team development and striving to create a combination that can compete at the highest level. We are experimenting with different strategies, and while some may not succeed, we will learn from those experiences. I believe there will come a time when the Pakistan team will showcase quality cricket," Rauf remarked as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
He also addressed the issue of criticism, noting that it is a prevalent aspect of cricket in Pakistan. Rauf expressed support for the young players recently integrated into the squad, emphasizing the importance of giving them 10 to 15 matches to develop their skills.
"Criticism has become a common occurrence in Pakistan, especially for these young players. In any team around the world, young talents are given the freedom to play. They are typically afforded 10 to 15 consecutive matches to help them grow into their roles. That is how they evolve into successful players."
Rauf further reflected on the challenges faced by newcomers in international cricket, stating that it has become customary for people to wait for the Pakistan team to lose so they can criticize.
"Every player entering international cricket experiences initial struggles. Criticism has become a norm, with many eagerly anticipating our losses to voice their opinions. While they may have their views, we are committed to building our team. We are integrating young players alongside experienced ones. As senior players, we aim to motivate our juniors and guide them on what it takes to succeed at the international level. The sooner they grasp these lessons, the better it will be for their development," he concluded.
Pakistan can find some comfort in their improved performance compared to the previous match. The upcoming game is crucial for them, as they face a must-win situation with New Zealand currently leading the five-match T20 series 2-0.
