Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf is celebrating his 30th birthday today. In recent years he has been one of the most important cogs in the wheel of Pakistan’s bowling attack. He played a significant role in leading Pakistan to the finals of the 2022 T20 World Cup. The ongoing ODI World Cup has not turned out for him the way he would have wanted but he remains an integral member of the bowling unit. Going ahead in the tournament management would hope that Haris Rauf gets into his groove.
The Beginning
Haris Rauf was predominantly playing tape ball cricket when he was spotted by former Pakistan fast bowler Aqib Javed. He appeared for the trials conducted by the Pakistan Super League franchise Lahore Qalandars and was shortly handed out a contract by the franchise.
Considering Rauf’s potential, he was allowed to play domestic cricket for Balochistan in Pakistan Cup (List A cricket). Later he made his first-class debut for Northern in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy.
He got his first call-up for the Pakistan team for a T20 series against Bangladesh. He made his international debut in the first T20I of that series. His performances in various franchise leagues and domestic cricket made sure that he got a chance to play for Pakistan in ODIs. Rauf made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe in 2020. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the Pakistan team The talented right-arm pacer has only played one test match so far.
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The Overview
Rauf is a bowler with a threatening pace, capable of taking wickets with the old ball. He has played 36 One-Day internationals taking 66 wickets at an impressive average of 26.63. Haris has also found success in the shortest format. The right-arm fast bowler has represented Pakistan in 62 T20Is where he has 83 wickets in his account.
Moving forward he would be vital for the prospects of Pakistan in international cricket. He is going through the most testing phase of his international career and it will be interesting to observe how he overcomes this period and gets his rhythm back.