Tag: Haris Rauf

LAHORE: Lahore Qalandars’ fast bowler Haris Rauf hailed Babar Azam as a world-class batter, stating that every bowler wants to take his wicket.

Chasing a modest 130, Peshawar Zalmi comfortably reached the target, losing three wickets in the process with 20 balls to spare.

Peshawar Zalmi faced early setbacks while chasing, losing Saim Ayub on the third ball of the first over. Soon after, Tom Kohler-Cadmore fell to an outstanding delivery from Haris Rauf in the next over, leaving Zalmi in a precarious position at seven for two.

On a pitch that assisted fast bowlers, Lahore Qalandars’ pacers bowled waywardly in the opening overs, allowing Zalmi to capitalize. Mohammad Haris led the charge after an early hiccup as they posted 40 at the end of the fourth over.

Shaheen Afridi dismissed Haris on the last ball of the fourth over, after scoring a spirited 20 off 16 balls, including two sixes in that same over.

At 40-3 in 5 overs, the game looked evenly poised; however, it was Babar Azam and Hussain Talat who took the game away from the Qalandars with a solid 93-run partnership

Catch all the PSL 10 updates here!

The duo batted with composure, taking their total past the 100-run mark in the 14th over. Both Babar and Hussain remained unbeaten, ensuring their team’s victory.

Babar scored 56* off 42 balls, hitting seven fours and one six, while Hussain contributed 51 runs off 37 balls, including five fours and a six.

While addressing the media in a post-match press conference, Haris Rauf commented on Babar Azam’s stature, acknowledging the crowd’s support.

“The Lahore crowd has always been phenomenal. It’s the fans’ right to support Babar – he’s a world-class player,” he remarked. Every bowler wishes to get Babar out – he’s that good, ” he added.

When asked about Asif Ali opening the innings, Haris Rauf clarified that it was a decision made by the team management. He also stated that if he were to start batting, then what would the other batters do?

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“That was a team management decision. If I start batting, then what are the batters here for?”

While reflecting on the match, Haris admitted that they lost the game because they didn’t have enough runs on the board. The 31-year-old pacer further remarked that his appeal style is emotional, and he is aware of that.

“We lost the game because we couldn’t put up a decent total. Yes, my appeal style is emotional. I’m aware of it. But if anyone has an issue with it, I’ll avoid appealing in the future, ” Haris Rauf concluded.

READ: Babar Azam hails Clinical Execution in Zalmi’s emphatic win over Qalandars

DUBAI: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf and vice-captain Salman Ali Agha have made notable gains in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Rankings, released on Wednesday, despite the team’s ongoing struggles in the white-ball series against New Zealand.

Pakistan’s tour of New Zealand has been anything but smooth. After a 4-1 drubbing in the T20I series, the Men in Green carried their poor form into the ODIs, losing the opener by 73 runs before conceding the series with an 84-run defeat in the second match earlier today.

However, the updated ODI rankings—calculated before today’s game—brought some individual positives.

Haris Rauf, who impressed with figures of 2-38 in the first ODI, jumped nine places to secure the 16th spot in the ICC ODI Bowling Rankings with 578 rating points.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s premier pacer, Shaheen Shah Afridi, who is absent from the ODI squad, slipped two places and dropped out of the top 10. He now sits at 11th with 613 points.

On the batting charts, Salman Ali Agha’s gritty 58-run knock in the series opener helped him climb six spots, placing him in joint 37th alongside New Zealand’s Tom Latham.

However, it wasn’t all good news for Pakistan’s batters. Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Rizwan lost two and one spot, respectively, and are now positioned at 20th and 21st in the rankings.

Babar Azam, though, remains Pakistan’s highest-ranked batter, holding firm at the second spot in the ICC ODI Batting Rankings.

With Pakistan already trailing 2-0 in the series, they now face the daunting task of avoiding a clean sweep in the final ODI against a dominant New Zealand side.

READ: Rizwan reflects on Pakistan’s defeat in second ODI against New Zealand

DUBAI: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has made a significant leap in the latest ICC Men’s T20I Bowling Rankings, released on Wednesday.

The fast bowler climbed 11 spots to secure the 15th position with 632 rating points, courtesy of his standout performances in the T20I series against New Zealand.

Haris Rauf has been Pakistan’s most consistent bowler in the series, delivering impressive spells of 3/27 and 3/29 in his last two outings. Overall, he took eight wickets in four games at an impressive average of 12.25.

Meanwhile, Abbas Afridi has also made notable gains, jumping eight places to reach 36th after his impactful performances in the series.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy continues his meteoric rise in the rankings. After a 23-spot jump last week, the right-armer has now climbed five more places, securing the 5th position with a career-best 694 rating points.

Duffy has been the standout bowler of the series, leading the wicket-taking charts with 13 scalps at an astonishing average of just 8.38.

In the batting rankings, New Zealand’s Mark Chapman surged 10 spots to 41st, thanks to his blistering 94-run knock in the third T20I against Pakistan in Auckland.

Meanwhile, Michael Bracewell, New Zealand’s stand-in T20I captain, climbed 12 places in the all-rounders’ rankings, securing the 14th position.

Australia’s Travis Head continues to reign at the top of the T20I batting rankings, while West Indies’ Akeal Hosein remains the number one bowler in the format.

READ: Hasan Nawaz bags unwanted record in New Zealand T20I series

DUBAI: The Pakistan cricket team’s struggles in the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand have been reflected in the latest ICC T20I rankings, with key players—including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf—experiencing major shifts.

In the ICC T20I Batting rankings, former captain Babar Azam, who is not part of the current squad, has dropped one place to eighth with 702 points.

Meanwhile, white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has managed to retain his ninth position, while young left-hander Saim Ayub has slipped three places to 62nd with 473 points.

Australia’s Travis Head continues to lead the T20I batting rankings, followed by India’s Abhishek Sharma and England’s Phil Salt.

New Zealand’s Tim Seifert and Finn Allen, both of whom have been in good form, have made significant gains—Seifert has jumped 20 places to 13th, while Allen has climbed eight spots to 18th.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi, who went wicketless in two matches against New Zealand, has dropped six places to 29th with 575 points in the ICC T20I Bowling rankings.

His fellow pacer, Haris Rauf, who missed the first T20I but picked up two wickets in the second, has climbed four spots to 26th with 586 points.

Among other Pakistani bowlers, Abbas Afridi, yet to feature in the series, has fallen three places to 44th, while Naseem Shah has slipped two spots to 78th.

Vice-captain Shadab Khan, who made his return in this series, has seen a steep drop of 10 places, now sitting at 82nd in the rankings.

At the top, West Indies spinner Akeal Hosein continues to lead the T20I bowling rankings, followed by India’s Varun Chakaravarthy and England’s Adil Rashid.

READ: Shan Masood signs all-format deal with Leicestershire

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has responded to critics after the national team’s second consecutive defeat in the five-match T20I series against New Zealand.

Earlier, New Zealand thrashed Pakistan by five wickets in the rain-affected second T20I at the University Oval, Dunedin.

Pakistan finished their inning at 135 for losing nine wickets in their 15 overs.

The hosts completed a comfortable five-wicket victory by chasing down the total with 11 balls to spare.

Following the game, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf stressed the need to give emerging Pakistan cricket team players ample opportunity to thrive in international cricket.

“It is now a common thing in Pakistan to criticize players. These are young players who have been given an opportunity,” said Rauf.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“If you look at the rest of the teams, the youngsters are given full freedom. They are given 10-15 games,” the right-arm pacer said.

Haris Rauf emphasized the importance of backing emerging players who struggle at the beginning of their international careers.

“It is now common in Pakistan. People are waiting to see us lose. People have their opinion,” he said.

“We are giving our best and focusing on building the team. As seniors, we are motivating the youngsters and teaching them how to approach international cricket,” Haris Rauf concluded.

It is worth noting that the Pakistan cricket team trails the five-match series against New Zealand 0-2 after losing the first two games.

The national side will face New Zealand in the must-win third T20I on Friday.

READ: Mohammad Hafeez responds to backlash over comments on 90s cricketers

Pakistan T20I captain Salman Ali Agha has thrown his support behind senior pacers Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, emphasizing their importance in the team’s quest for success in the five-match series against New Zealand, scheduled to commence tomorrow.

Shaheen and Haris have been under fire lately due to their below-par performances in Pakistan’s disastrous ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign.

Consequently, they lost their place in the ODI squad for New Zealand, however, they were named in the T20I squad.

Salman Ali Agha, during the press conference ahead of the first T20I in Christchurch, acknowledged the recent form fluctuations of the experienced duo but remained confident in their ability to step up for Pakistan.

“Shaheen and Haris have been outstanding bowlers for Pakistan. Yes, form and performances go up and down in every cricketer’s career, but I believe both of them have a key role to play in this series,” he stated.

The 31-year-old, leading a relatively young squad, emphasized that the team is not in New Zealand just to experiment but to win.

“Fans are disappointed because we haven’t played the kind of cricket they expect from us. In fact, we haven’t even played the way we expect from ourselves. But just because we have a young side doesn’t mean it’s not a strong one. We are here to win,” Salman asserted.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Pakistan’s squad for the series has seen some significant changes, with several senior players being rested.

Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who have been key to Pakistan’s T20I setup for years, are not part of the squad as the selectors aim to test new combinations. Salman admitted that their absence is notable but stressed the importance of looking forward.

“There is no doubt that Babar and Rizwan have been exceptional for Pakistan, but for this series, we are trying to build a new combination,” he added.

“Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will also be missed—they are match-winners on their day. But, Alhamdulillah, their injury progress is positive, and hopefully, they will return for the next series.”

The Pakistan captain further explained that the team is focused on long-term goals, including the Asia Cup 2025 and the T20 World Cup 2026.

“This series, and the ones coming up, are all part of our preparation for these major tournaments. We want to form a strong squad that can compete at the highest level in the coming years,” Salman remarked.

Pakistan T20I squad for New Zealand tour

T20Is: Salman Ali Agha (c), Shadab Khan (vc), Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Hasan Nawaz, Jahandad Khan, Khushdil Shah, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Haris (wk), Mohammad Ali, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Saud Shakeel stars as Karachi Whites start National T20 Cup campaign on winning note

Former Pakistan captain Mohammad Hafeez lashed out at pacers Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah over their recent struggles in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Pakistan suffered a crushing six-wicket defeat on Sunday against the arch-rivals India, leaving their title defence hanging by a thread.

While batting first, Pakistan managed a modest 241 before getting bowled out in the final over. In reply, India cruised to victory with 45 balls to spare, thanks to a masterclass from Virat Kohli, who notched up a brilliant century.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

After the match, Mohammad Hafeez called for major changes in Pakistan’s bowling attack, highlighting the recent failures of fast bowlers.

“The trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf failed to deliver in the 2023 Asia Cup, 50-over World Cup, T20 World Cup, and now in the Champions Trophy 2025,” Hafeez said.

“It’s time to acknowledge that, despite their talent, they haven’t proven themselves capable of winning big tournaments for Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Let’s move on and give opportunities to other bowlers like Mohammad Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Wasim Jr., Akif Javed, and Mir Hamza. These players are waiting for their chances—they are also Pakistani, and they deserve an opportunity.”

Mohammad Hafeez also drew comparisons between Babar Azam and former great Inzamam-ul-Haq. He pointed out that Babar has failed to produce a match-winning performance against India in a decade-long career.

“Inzamam bhai used to win matches for Pakistan in tough conditions. Babar Azam has not been able to win a single game against India after playing for 10 years,” Hafeez remarked.

READ: ‘Can’t have five genuine bowlers in ODIs’: Rizwan defends Pakistan’s team selection

DUBAI: Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has made a bold statement ahead of the high-octane clash against India in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled to be played here on 23 February.

While talking to the media, Rauf emphasized that the Men in Green are focused and composed ahead of their match against India, downplaying the concerns about the team’s morale after the defeat against New Zealand in the event’s opener.

“There’s no pressure at all; everyone is relaxed, and we’ll approach the match just like any other normal game,” Rauf said.

The fast bowler highlighted that the team is confident in giving their best in the next match.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“All the boys are positive and will try their best. Every match is important for us, and everyone will give their maximum effort.”

“The goal is to put in full effort across all three departments and plan accordingly to win this match,” said the pacer.

While answering a question regarding the injuries of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub and their impact on the team, he stated that injuries are part and parcel of the game and could happen to anybody at any time.

“Injuries can happen anytime—you can even get injured while walking. Some things are beyond your control, and there’s no point in overthinking them. It has nothing to do with coaching or anything else,” he explained.

Keeping Pakistan’s recent success in mind at the venue, Haris Rauf admitted the importance of their record against India.

Catch every Champions Trophy update here!

“No doubt, we have defeated India twice at this venue, and we will try to play the same kind of cricket that helped us win those matches. Many of the boys are confident that it will be a good game,” he added.

Haris Rauf further stated that the pitch depends on what conditions are demanding, and this pitch could also favour spinners.

“The record here is quite good, but in the end, it all depends on what the conditions demand. Sometimes, it turns into a spin-friendly track, but the focus is to utilize the conditions in the best possible way,” he concluded.

It’s worth noting that the defending champions and hosts Pakistan began their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a 60-run loss against New Zealand.

Pakistan will now face arch-rivals India in the much-awaited clash at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23 before returning home to square off against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: Champions Trophy: Jos Buttler banks on PSL experience ahead of Australia match

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan has put all speculation to rest regarding the fitness of Haris Rauf, confirming that the star pacer is fully fit and ready to deliver in the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

For the unversed, Haris Rauf left the field during the 36th over of the tri-nation series opener against New Zealand after bowling 6.2 overs due to a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region.

“Following MRI and X-ray scans, it has been confirmed that Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday’s match against New Zealand,” PCB shared in a statement.

“The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February.”

Mohammad Rizwan, while speaking at a pre-tournament press conference, provided clarity on Rauf’s recovery process.

“Haris Rauf bowled 80% yesterday, and now he is bowling in full rhythm. He is fit and available for the team,” Rizwan stated.

Rizwan also emphasized the importance of senior players stepping up, especially in high-pressure tournaments like the Champions Trophy.

“Being a senior player means taking responsibility. We have to lead from the front,” he remarked, highlighting the expectations placed on experienced players like himself, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“We know there’s room for improvement, and we are working on it. No player is perfect, but our intention is to keep learning,” he added.

Rizwan also praised the efforts of the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) in preparing Pakistan’s stadiums for the mega event.

“Our stadiums have been prepared in record time. We shouldn’t doubt our capabilities,” he asserted.

With the Champions Trophy set to kick off, Rizwan made it clear that the entire squad is focused on one goal: bringing the trophy home.

“It’s not just me and Babar who want to win the title; every player in the squad wants this, and so does every Pakistani,” Rizwan concluded.

For the unversed, the defending champions and hosts Pakistan will begin their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 campaign with a game against New Zealand on February 19.

They will then travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for the much-awaited clash against arch-rivals India at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on February 23. Pakistan will then return home to face Bangladesh in Rawalpindi on February 27.

Pakistan squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.

READ: PCB explains absence of Indian flag at Champions Trophy venues

Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf has expressed confidence in his fitness ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to commence on Wednesday in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Rauf returned to a practice session days after suffering an injury scare during the recently concluded tri-nation series against New Zealand and South Africa.

While talking to the media on the sidelines of the practice session, Rauf appeared confident about his fitness, stating that the team management would decide whether he would play against New Zealand in the tournament opener.

“I am feeling better than before. I have practiced for two days and bowled today,” said the pacer.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Personally, I am satisfied with my fitness and not feeling any pain, but the final decision rests with management whether I will play against New Zealand or not,” remarked Rauf.

The fast bowler reflected on Pakistan’s bowling unit and the strategy of playing with three fast bowlers and one front-line spinner.

“Our bowling unit is not limited to only one spinner. We also have Khushdil Shah and Agha Salman, who play a part in the match as spinners depending on the conditions,” explained the speedster.

For the unversed, the pacer sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during their opening game of the tri-series against New Zealand.

Later, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) called up left-arm fast bowler Akif Javed to replace Haris Rauf in the tri-nation ODI series.

“The replacement is only for the tri-nation ODI series, as Haris Rauf is expected to be fully fit and available for selection for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” a PCB spokesperson said at the time of the announcement.

The Pakistan pacer seemed to have recovered from his injury as he bowled in the team’s practice session in Karachi.

The right-arm quick sprinted during the practice session and bowled alongside pacers Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain.

READ: WATCH: Bangladesh’s jersey for ICC Champions Trophy 2025 revealed