Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has responded to critics after the national team’s second consecutive defeat in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.
Earlier, New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by five wickets in the rain-affected second T20I at the University Oval, Dunedin.
Pakistan finished their inning at 135 for losing nine wickets in their 15 overs.
The hosts completed a comfortable five-wicket victory by chasing down the total with 11 balls to spare.
Following the game, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf stressed the need to give emerging Pakistan cricket team players ample opportunity to thrive in international cricket.
“It is now a common thing in Pakistan to criticize players. These are young players who have been given an opportunity,” said Rauf.
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“If you look at the rest of the teams, the youngsters are given full freedom. They are given 10-15 games,” the right-arm pacer said.
Haris Rauf emphasized the importance of backing emerging players who struggle at the beginning of their international careers.
“It is now common in Pakistan. People are waiting to see us lose. People have their opinion,” he said.
“We are giving our best and focusing on building the team. As seniors, we are motivating the youngsters and teaching them how to approach international cricket,” Haris Rauf concluded.
It is worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team trails the five-match series against New Zealand 0-2 after losing the first two games.
The national side will face New Zealand in the must-win third T20I on Friday.
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