Lahore: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has stressed that his primary responsibility, alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, is to deliver crucial breakthroughs for the national team, underlining the importance of teamwork and taking wickets in modern-day cricket.
Speaking to the media in Lahore, Rauf said the three pacers shared a common objective of strengthening Pakistan’s bowling attack and helping the team maintain its winning momentum in the ongoing ODI tri-series.
“My role, along with Naseem and Shaheen, is to take wickets for the team. This is a team game, and everyone is supporting one another,” Rauf said.
The right-arm speedster also highlighted the value Shaheen brings to the side, describing the left-arm pacer’s presence as a major advantage for Pakistan.
“Having Shaheen in the team is always beneficial,” he added.
Haris Rauf on Pakistan’s Bowling Strategy
Pakistan have made an encouraging start to the ODI tri-series, registering victories over Sri Lanka and England in their opening two matches.
Rauf said defending a total of 300 runs was a positive sign but acknowledged that the changing demands of international cricket required teams to aim for bigger scores and maintain greater discipline with the ball.
“Defending 300 runs is a good sign. Our effort is to ensure that the bowling unit continues to perform well. When teams are scoring more than 300 or 400 runs, we also have to think about posting totals of 350 and defending them,” he said.
The Pakistan pacer also emphasised the importance of taking wickets during the middle overs, particularly as batters continue to adopt increasingly aggressive approaches across the 50-over format.
According to Rauf, bowling teams must find ways to break partnerships and prevent opposition batters from building momentum, regardless of the conditions or venue.
“You have to take wickets in the middle overs. Wherever you play in the world, runs are scored because cricket has changed,” he remarked.
Rauf Focuses on Pace and Fitness
Rauf described express pace as a key weapon in contemporary cricket, saying he continues to work on his fitness and speed to improve his effectiveness for Pakistan.
“A fast bowler is an X-factor in today’s cricket. I continue to work on my fitness and pace so that I can give people fewer reasons to talk,” he said.
His remarks also reflected his determination to focus on performances rather than criticism as he looks to make a greater impact with the ball.
Meanwhile, Rauf expressed confidence in Pakistan’s batting resources, backing Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to contribute valuable runs in the remaining matches.
Pakistan Set for England Clash in Lahore
Pakistan’s consecutive wins over Sri Lanka and England brought the first half of the tri-series to a close on a positive note.
Following a two-day break, the competition is scheduled to resume at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, with Pakistan set to face England in the fourth match on Sunday.
With their fast-bowling combination expected to play a key role, Pakistan will look to continue their winning run and strengthen their position in the tri-series. Rauf’s focus on wickets, pace and middle-over breakthroughs reflects the team’s approach to handling the growing scoring demands of ODI cricket.
