'Give them 10-15 matches': Haris Rauf defends Pakistan's young side
What's the story
Renowned fast bowler Haris Rauf has extended his full support to the young top order of Pakistan's T20I side. He feels that the emerging talents shouldn't be judged on the basis of one or two matches. His comments come in the wake of Pakistan's recent five-match T20I series in New Zealand, where key players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were replaced by new talents.
Support
Rauf calls for patience with young players
Rauf's endorsement comes after Pakistan lost the first two T20Is against hosts New Zealand. "You talk about criticism, I think it has become common in Pakistan," he said after the team's second loss. "These are young players... 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."
Optimism
Rauf acknowledges decline but remains hopeful
Rauf admitted that Pakistan's cricket standards have declined but stressed on their commitment to build a strong team. "There is no doubt that our cricket has declined," he admitted. "But we are building as a team and trying to forge a combination and play cricket that's required at the top level." He promised fans that despite recent failures, they would learn from it and eventually deliver on the field.
Performance review
Pakistan's recent performance under new captain
Pakistan's cricketing journey hasn't been easy of late. They were knocked out early in their home Champions Trophy campaign without a win. They faced two defeats in T20Is against New Zealand under new captain Salman Agha thereafter. Rauf acknowledged the hosts' batting prowess but also emphasized Pakistan's bowlers were unfortunate not to get more wickets. Despite a commendable show with figures of 2/20 in three overs, Rauf's fellow fast bowlers faltered in the 2nd T20I.
Series
How the series has fared
In the first T20I at Christchurch, the Pakistan team struggled, ending with a total of 91 runs. The total was easily chased by the Kiwis. Their poor performance continued into the second game in Dunedin on March 18. Although Pakistan managed to score 135/9 in a curtailed match, they couldn't secure victory. The Black Caps chased the total down in 13.1 overs.
Information
Forgettable feat for Hasan Nawaz
Opener Hasan Nawaz has bagged two back-to-back ducks as of now. As per Wisden, the Pakistan opener has become only the sixth player (full-member nation) to record two consecutive ducks in their first two T20I innings.