WEBDESK: Pakistan’s young batters have faced challenges in New Zealand, but former cricketer Muhammad Yousuf remains optimistic about their potential. He acknowledges that the pace and bounce of New Zealand pitches have tested the skills of the inexperienced players, but he believes they are learning valuable lessons from the experience.
Muhammad Yousuf highlighted that adapting to foreign conditions takes time, especially for young players who are still developing their techniques. He noted that while Pakistan’s batters have struggled against New Zealand’s bowling attack, they have also shown glimpses of promise. With more exposure and the right guidance, he is confident they will improve.
Pakistan have fielded several new players in the series, including Hasan Nawaz, Haris, and Abdul Samad, but none have produced significant innings so far. However, Yousuf stressed that such challenges are common when touring New Zealand, particularly for inexperienced players.
“This is a tough tour for young batters. The first match was especially difficult due to extra bounce and swing,” he said. “It is encouraging that the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has given opportunities to these players. They are the future of Pakistan cricket, and we must support them.”
The former cricketer emphasized that playing in challenging conditions is crucial for growth. Muhammad Yousuf urged patience, explaining that past greats also faced difficulties early in their careers but improved through perseverance. He suggested that continued training and experience in foreign conditions will help the batters build confidence and skill.
Pakistan’s management has been working on refining the techniques of young players, ensuring they are better prepared for international cricket. Muhammad Yousuf believes that with the right coaching and mental strength, these batters can become key assets for the national team in the future.
“The team showed improvement in the last match, scoring 135-136 runs in 15 overs. A few crucial overs swung the game in New Zealand’s favour, but overall, the performance was promising,” he said. “If the players continue learning and improving, results will follow.”
The management is also focusing on boosting the players’ confidence, with senior members of the squad providing support.
“When I first toured England and Australia, our senior players backed us. There were fewer coaches back then, but their encouragement helped us grow,” he added. “Now, we are ensuring these young players receive the same support so they can perform at their best.”
As Pakistan continues its tour of New Zealand, all eyes will be on the young batters to see how they adapt and respond. While the road may be tough, Muhammad Yousuf’s confidence in their potential offers hope for a stronger and more resilient batting lineup in the years to come.
