Malik Waqar
Pakistan faced a significant blow on Saturday as star fast bowler Haris Rauf was forced to limp off the field due to an ankle injury during the first ODI of the tri-nation series against New Zealand at Gaddafi Stadium.
Rauf had left the field during the 38th over of New Zealand’s innings in the opening match of the series at Gaddafi Stadium. Following medical assessments, he was diagnosed with a low-grade side strain.
Sources said that Haris Rauf is likely to be rested for the upcoming tri-nation ODI series match against South Africa, set to take place at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on Wednesday.
The final decision on Rauf’s participation will depend on the results of an MRI scan, which is being awaited.
Haris Rauf had delivered a solid performance in the match, taking 1 wicket for 23 runs in his 6.2 overs, but his absence left a gap in the bowling attack, which struggled in the final stages of the game.
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However, New Zealand secured a dominant 78-run victory over Pakistan in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series.
Meanwhile, the national squad is scheduled to depart for Karachi today and will hold a training session at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium ahead of the must-win match against South Africa.
Pakistan squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vice-captain), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
