Pakistan cricket legend and current batting coach Mohammad Yousuf spoke with the media ahead of the third T20I between Pakistan and New Zealand in Auckland on Friday. In his conference, Yousuf stated that Pakistan’s young batters have faced difficulties adapting to New Zealand’s challenging conditions in the ongoing T20I series, but the team management remains optimistic about their development.
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.”
Pakistan are working closely with the players to help them adapt to the conditions. The coaching staff is focusing on strategies for handling bounce and swing while maintaining composure under pressure, as per Yousuf.
“The key is to stay mentally strong in high-pressure situations,” Yousuf explained. “Players must learn how to handle different pitch conditions and play to their strengths.”
Pakistan suffered a 3-0 series defeat when New Zealand toured Pakistan last year, and now, in unfamiliar conditions, their young batters have found it difficult to replicate their domestic form. However, Yousuf pointed to signs of progress in recent games.
“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.”
Pakistan continue their series in New Zealand, with the coaching staff hopeful that their young players will build on these experiences to develop into key contributors in the future.
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