Pakistan faced a major setback on Saturday as star fast bowler Haris Rauf limped off the field with an ankle injury during the first ODI of the tri-nation series against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium. Rauf, who had been in fine form, was forced to leave in the 38th over of New Zealand’s innings after a strong bowling spell that saw him take 1 wicket for 23 runs in 6.2 overs.
Following initial medical assessments, it was confirmed that Rauf has sustained a low-grade side strain. He is likely to be rested for Pakistan’s upcoming match against South Africa at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday. A final decision on his participation will be made after the results of an MRI scan, which are still pending.
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Rauf’s absence left a significant gap in Pakistan’s bowling attack, which struggled to contain New Zealand in the final stages of their innings. New Zealand went on to secure a commanding 78-run victory, setting a high bar for Pakistan in the tri-nation series opener.
As the national squad prepares to travel to Karachi, where they will hold a training session at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium, all eyes are on Rauf’s recovery. His return will be crucial for Pakistan, as they face a must-win situation against South Africa to keep their hopes alive in the series.
The Pakistan squad includes top players like Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, and Shaheen Shah Afridi, but with Rauf’s availability uncertain, the bowling lineup may need to rely on the likes of Naseem Shah and Mohammad Hasnain to fill the void.
