Haris Rauf leads Pakistan to a clinical victory over New Zealand in the first T20 match
Pakistan’s Haris Rauf claimed his career-best figures in T20I cricket against New Zealand in Lahore on Friday, taking four wickets while giving away only 18 runs in 3.3 overs. The Pakistani fast bowler opened up after achieving this milestone, stating that it was important to put up this performance since he was playing for Pakistan for a long time. His efforts played a crucial role in Pakistan’s clinical 88-run victory over New Zealand in the first Twenty20 match, which also marked skipper Babar Azam’s 100th international match in the shortest format.
Pakistan’s innings got off to a poor start as they lost both their openers, Mohammad Rizwan and Babar Azam, by the fifth over for just 30 runs. However, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub put on a strong partnership of 79 runs for the third wicket to anchor Pakistan to 182 all out in 19.5 overs. Zaman struck four boundaries and two sixes in his 34-ball knock, while Ayub’s rapid 28-ball innings featured two sixes and six fours.
New Zealand, who were chasing a target of 183 runs, struggled against Pakistan’s bowling attack and were dismissed for just 94 runs in 15.3 overs. Left-arm spinner Imad Wasim finished with 2-2 in his only over, taking both his wickets off successive deliveries. Mark Chapman top-scored with 27-ball 34, while skipper Tom Latham made 24-ball 20. Haris Rauf’s previous best T20 figures of 4-22 had also come against New Zealand in Sharjah in 2021.
In his post-match interview, Rauf stated that he tried to bowl stump-to-stump on the pitch and gained a lot of confidence from his fellow bowlers, Shaheen and Zaman, who started the match well. He also mentioned that his role was defined more with such a good bowling attack. Babar Azam had come to him during their batting innings and said that he wanted Rauf to take four wickets that day, and Rauf delivered on that promise.
The win was a significant one for Pakistan, who had rested five players in their last series against Afghanistan. The remaining four matches against New Zealand will be played in Lahore and Rawalpindi, on April 15, 17, 20, and 24.
Haris Rauf’s performance is indicative of Pakistan’s strong bowling attack, which has been their strength in recent times. The team’s success in the first T20 match against New Zealand is a testament to their capabilities, and they will be looking to carry that momentum into the rest of the series. Babar Azam’s captaincy has been critical to Pakistan’s success, and his leadership will be vital in ensuring that the team continues to perform well.
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Haris Rauf’s career-best performance in T20I cricket against New Zealand in Lahore on Friday was a significant milestone in his career. His efforts played a crucial role in Pakistan’s clinical victory over New Zealand, and his post-match interview revealed his dedication to his role and the team’s success. Pakistan’s strong bowling attack and Babar Azam’s captaincy will be critical in ensuring that the team continues to perform well in the remaining matches of the series.
