Rauf urges patience with Pakistan youngsters after successive losses to New Zealand

After going 2-0 down in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand, Pakistan’s tearaway pacer Haris Rauf has voiced support for the youngsters in the team, who have been given a go in the ongoing series.

Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz and Mohammad Ali, who had all received maiden call-ups to the Pakistan squad ahead of the New Zealand tour, have featured in the playing XI for both T20Is.

Extending his backing to the trio, Rauf told reporters, "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 (should) make sure to give them 10 to 15 matches at a stretch. That is how they become players.

"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."

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Having lost the first T20I by nine wickets, Pakistan were bested by five wickets in a rain-shortened T20I on Tuesday. Restricting the visitors for 135/9 in their quota of 15 overs, the Black Caps managed to chase down the total with 11 balls to spare.

Rauf believes Pakistan's quicks were unlucky to bag wickets despite having a good outing in Dunedin.

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"All players have put in the effort. The kind of grounds we have here, we generally get high-scoring games," he said.

"It's not like we didn't bowl well, we were unlucky as well. There were a few top edges that went for six, some went over the ropes due to the wind and small ground.

“We were putting in the effort as a bowling unit, but we didn't get the desired result. We were a bit unlucky in the beginning.

"We tried using the conditions to our advantage, but we were unlucky. The kind of cricket they played, they hit good shots, so we should credit them."

Rauf is optimistic that entrusting newcomers will eventually pay rich dividends as Pakistan eye glory on the international stage.

"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," Rauf added.

"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 future when you will get to see good cricket from the Pakistan team."