Haris Rauf. (Photo Source: ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP via Getty Images)
Star Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf created a new record, becoming the third-fastest bowler to 50 ODI wickets for the country. He achieved the feat during Pakistan’s Super 4 clash against Bangladesh in the ongoing Asia Cup on Wednesday, September 6 at the Gaddafi Stadium.
Rauf dislodged the bails off the stumps with a 145 kph thunderbolt to send young Bangladesh batter Towhid Hridoy back to the pavilion for a paltry score of two runs. The speedster reached the milestone of 50 wickets in the ODI format in 27 matches, thereby sharing the third place with former pacer Waqar Younis.
Pakistan’s Hasan Ali holds the record for taking the fastest 50 ODI wickets for the nation, achieving the feat in 24 matches. Meanwhile, star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi reached the 50-wicket mark in 25 games and is in second place.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by seven wickets
Speaking of the game, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to bat first. Their decision backfired as the top-order collapsed by Pakistan’s bowling attack. Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah spearheaded Pakistan’s attack, finishing with excellent figures of 4/19 and 3/34, respectively. Notably, Pakistan bowled out Bangladesh for a paltry score of 193 in 38.4 overs.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh skipper Shakib Al Hasan was crucial for his side, playing a gritty knock of 53 off 57 deliveries. Wicketkeeper-batter Mushfiqur Rahim, on the other hand, also made a significant contribution, scoring 64 runs. Barring Shakib Al Hasan and Rahim, no other Bangladesh batters could resist the pace attack of Pakistan.
The hosts made a solid start during the 194-run chase. Imam-ul-Haq and Mohammad Rizwan starred with the bat as the Babar Azam-led side chased down the target in 39.3 overs. The opening batter scored 78 off 84 deliveries, including five fours and four sixes. Rizwan, on the other hand, played an unbeaten 63 runs off 79 balls with the help of seven boundaries and one maximum. Meanwhile, Taskin Ahmed, Shoriful Islam, and Mehidy Hasan picked one wicket each for Bangladesh.