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Pakistan’s fast bowler, Haris Rauf, will not further bowl in the Asia Cup 2023 ongoing Super 4 clash against India.
Rauf has been the tournament’s top wicket-taker, claiming nine wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 13.33. However ,he had a rather ordinary outing in the previous match against India. While he managed to take three wickets in the group stage encounter against Rohit Sharma and his team, Rauf struggled to replicate that performance and couldn’t dismiss the Indian openers, who had dominated almost all of the Pakistani bowlers.
Nevertheless, despite going wicketless, the right-arm pacer displayed remarkable control, conceding only 27 runs in five overs. This helped in stabilizing the innings to some extent, even though India’s openers, Rohit and Gill, both registered half-centuries and formed a blazing 121-run partnership for the opening wicket. Pakistan did make a comeback by dismissing both openers and controlling the run rate, but India had already reached a score of 147 for the loss of two wickets before the rain halted the play on Sunday (September 10).
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Rauf’s injury poses a challenge for Pakistan
In the latest development, Rauf will be sidelined from bowling for the remainder of the match due to experiencing some discomfort in his right flank on Monday. As reported by ESPNcricinfo, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) disclosed that Rauf won’t be able to continue bowling during the game.
“Haris Rauf will not be bowling any further in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India as a precautionary measure. He felt a little discomfort in his right flank during the match yesterday,” the PCB was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
“He was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He is under the observation of the team’s medical panel,” it added.
This means that Babar Azam, the Pakistan captain, will need to find alternative options to complete Rauf’s remaining five overs. Pakistan will now have to rely on their three pace bowlers, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf while Shadab Khan will lead the spin attack. Additionally, they may call upon the part-time off-spinner Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman to fill the gap.
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