Haris Rauf delivered a match-winning spell in the second T20I against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, claiming 4/22 in his four overs. His exceptional bowling played a key role in restricting Australia to 147/9. However, Rauf’s efforts with the ball did not prove to be enough as Pakistan lost by 13 runs. However, with this performance, Rauf became the joint-highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20Is, sharing the record of 107 wickets with Shadab Khan.
Australia started strong, racing to 52/0 in under four overs. However, Rauf’s introduction shifted the momentum. He dismissed Jake Fraser-McGurk for 20 and followed it up with the crucial wicket of Josh Inglis for a duck in the same over. Later, he returned to remove big-hitter Tim David and clean bowled Xavier Bartlett.
AUS vs PAK 2nd T20I: Highlights
Rauf shines for Pakistan
Rauf’s rise in T20 cricket has been remarkable. Since debuting in 2020, he has consistently delivered for Pakistan, picking up wickets at an average of 20.36 and an economy rate of 8.14. His journey began in Australia’s Big Bash League, where his performances caught the selectors’ attention. Recently, Rauf reached 100 T20I wickets in just 71 matches, the fastest by any Pakistani bowler.
Joining Shadab at the top of the T20I wicket-takers list, Rauf is now ahead of Shahid Afridi (97) and Shaheen Afridi (96). His ability to strike at crucial moments makes him one of Pakistan’s most reliable bowlers in the shortest format.
Pakistan falter in chase
Australia started aggressively, but faltered once Haris Rauf entered the attack. Rauf bowled with precision, varying his pace to disrupt the batters and consistently taking wickets. Abbas Afridi also impressed, claiming three scalps. Together, Rauf and Afridi combined for seven wickets, conceding just 39 runs in eight overs. The pitch’s two-paced nature added to Australia’s struggles. After weathering the early storm, Pakistan’s bowlers capitalised intelligently, leaving their batters with a target of 148. However, Pakistan couldn’t chase down the target as they were bundled out for 134 runs.
Pakistan will hope for Rauf’s stellar form to continue, as with his pace and accuracy, as the speedster remains a vital part of Pakistan’s bowling attack.
