Rauf Reflects on Performance Amidst T20I Series

Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has spoken out regarding his recent form in the ongoing three-match T20I series against Bangladesh, taking place at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Rauf, a prominent figure in Pakistan’s pace attack, has found the initial matches challenging. He secured a single wicket, maintaining an average of 59.00 and an economy rate of 11.80. These statistics have raised questions among fans and analysts.

Following the second T20I, Rauf shared his insights on his recent displays, emphasizing the difficulties encountered by fast bowlers in contemporary cricket.

Comments from Rauf

“Fast bowlers invariably face scrutiny,” Rauf commented.

“Today’s cricket favors batsmen with smaller boundaries and batting-friendly pitches; totals exceeding 200 are common. Even less fancied teams can achieve such scores. Our strategy is often to restrict teams to around 180,” he elaborated.

Despite the right-arm bowler’s personal battles, Pakistan has already clinched the series, securing a 2-0 lead, with the final match scheduled for Sunday.

Pakistan’s Dominance in the Second T20I

In the second T20I, the hosts showcased a dominant performance, defeating Bangladesh by 57 runs. Electing to bat first, Pakistan tallied an imposing 201/6 in their allotted 20 overs.

Although Saim Ayub was dismissed early, Mohammad Haris (41 from 25 balls) and Sahibzada Farhan (74 from 41 balls) forged a swift 103-run partnership for the second wicket. Farhan’s dynamic innings was punctuated by four boundaries and six towering sixes.

Captain Salman Ali Agha (19 from 12 balls) and Hasan Nawaz sustained the momentum with a 45-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Hasan remained unbeaten with 51 from 26 balls, including two fours and three sixes.

Bangladesh’s Chase and Collapse

Bangladesh initiated their chase aggressively, reaching 38/0 in the initial three overs, with Tanzid Hasan contributing a rapid 33. However, a sudden middle-order collapse, instigated by Haris Rauf and Faheem Ashraf, saw the visitors decline to 77/7 by the 10th over.

Tanzim Hasan Sakib resisted with a determined 50 from 31 deliveries, featuring five sixes, but received little support as Bangladesh were all out for 144 in 19 overs.

Pakistan’s Bowling Performance

Pakistan’s bowling attack delivered a united effort, with Abrar Ahmed spearheading the bowling with figures of 3/19 in four overs.

Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Khushdil Shah, and Saim Ayub each contributed with a wicket, confirming a comprehensive victory for the home side.