DUNEDIN: While underlining that the team management was trying to integrate young players alongside experienced campaigners, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf on Tuesday said criticism from some quarters, whenever his team lost a match, had become a norm.

“Criticism has become a norm, some people seem to just wait for Pakistan to lose so they can talk negatively. But that’s their opinion, and they are entitled to it. [On our part] as a team, we are focused on building a strong squad,” Haris told reporters during a press conference after the second T20 International against New Zealand in Dunedin on Tuesday.

New Zealand won the game by five wickets to take a solid 2-0 lead in the five-match rubber.

“We are integrating young players while keeping experienced players alongside them. As seniors, we guide and motivate the juniors, teaching them what is required at the international level.

“Criticism has become very common in Pakistan. Everyone has an opinion. But when youngsters are given opportunities in any team in the world, they are provided full freedom. They are given 10-15 matches consistently before judgments are made. No player in the world becomes a star overnight. Everyone struggles when they start playing international cricket,” the right-armer added.

Haris lauded the shot-making of the New Zealand batters who overhauled the 136-run target with 11 balls to spare in the rain-marred 15-overs-a-side match.

“All the boys put in the effort. We can’t say otherwise. This is a high-scoring ground. Given the conditions, obviously, it’s T20 cricket — on the day, whoever plays well has the upper hand. The opposition played some really good shots. It’s not that our bowlers bowled poorly, but some shots were just unlucky for us,” he said.

Responding to a question, Haris said learning from the loss was crucial for Pakistan.

“The past is the past. What matters is what we learned from it. We tried to adapt to the conditions accordingly. But again, it came down to some bad luck. The opposition played well, and we have to give them credit for that,” he expressed.

Answering a question on Pakistan’s decline in T20 cricket, the paceman said the Green-shirts were trying to find an appropriate combination.

“Yes, if you say our performances have gone down, we accept that. But as a team, we are working to rebuild and find the right combination. We are trying to play according to the modern demands of T20 cricket. We are experimenting with different things, and with that, failures will come. But failures also teach you valuable lessons. One day, we will return to being the top T20 side again, Insha Allah, and you’ll see Pakistan playing great cricket in the future,” he maintained.

When asked to comment on the Pakistan pace bowlers who struggle in Asian playing conditions, the fast bowler said it was a tough ask for all fast bowlers across the world.

“It’s not just Pakistan’s pacers who struggle in Asia, it’s a challenge for fast bowlers from all over the world. The conditions are tough. We always give our best as a bowling unit. Of course, the pitch plays a big role, and you have to utilize it properly on the day,” Haris said.

“People think only [the] Pakistan pacers struggle, but if you look at the stats of all fast bowlers who have played in these conditions, you will see they face similar challenges. In fact, many fast bowlers from other countries talk to us, asking how we manage to bowl in these conditions. We always try to find ways to adapt,” the pacer stated.

Published in Dawn, March 19th, 2025