Following Pakistan’s 5-wicket defeat to New Zealand in the 2nd T20I, Haris Rauf lashed out at critics, accusing them of waiting for the team to fail just to criticize them.
March 18, 2025: "People Are Just Waiting to See Us Lose" – Rauf’s Frustration Boils Over
Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf was visibly frustrated during the post-match press conference after his team suffered a 5-wicket defeat against New Zealand in the second T20I in Dunedin. The Salman Agha-led side was once again outplayed by the hosts, leaving Pakistan trailing 2-0 in the five-match series.
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Rauf, responding to the criticism directed at the team, claimed that in Pakistan, people eagerly wait for the team to lose just so they can criticize them.
"It is now a common thing in Pakistan to criticize players. These are young players who have been given an opportunity. If you look at the rest of the teams, the youngsters are given full freedom," Rauf said in the press conference.
"They are given 10-15 games. When you first enter international cricket, you struggle. That goes without saying. It is now common in Pakistan. People are waiting to see us lose," he added.
New Zealand’s Brutal Attack Stuns Pakistan
New Zealand’s openers Finn Allen and Tim Seifert set the tone for the chase with an explosive display, smashing ten sixes between them in just a few overs.
- Seifert played a maiden over against Shaheen Afridi but then smashed 26 runs off Afridi’s second over, hitting four sixes.
- Allen, on the other hand, went berserk, smashing three sixes in the second over off Mohammad Ali.
- Seifert top-scored with 45 off 22 balls, while Allen hit 38 off just 16 deliveries.
- The duo’s ferocious power-hitting ensured New Zealand reached 137/5 in just 13.1 overs, chasing down Pakistan’s 135/9 in a rain-shortened 15-over game.
Pakistan’s Struggles Continue
Pakistan, playing under stand-in captain Salman Agha, has failed to find its rhythm in the series so far. Their batting struggles, coupled with their inability to restrict New Zealand’s top order, have put them in a do-or-die situation for the remainder of the series.
With the T20 World Cup on the horizon, the growing criticism from fans and former players is putting increasing pressure on Pakistan’s squad. Rauf’s fiery response reflects the frustration within the team as they continue to search for a turnaround.
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#PakistanCricket, #HarisRauf, #NZvsPAK, #T20Cricket, #CricketCriticism, #PakistanT20, #FinnAllen, #TimSeifert, #ShaheenAfridi, #CricketDebate
Last Updated on March 18, 2025 by Misha Bhatia
