Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf had contemplated taking retirement from international cricket after receiving criticism following his decision to pull out his name from the Test series against Australia.
Haris Rauf proved to be the most expensive bowler for Pakistan in the 2023 World Cup. During the tournament, then head coach Mickey Arthur persuaded him to play the Test series against Australia as his pace would suit the conditions.
However, Rauf argued that it would take a toll on his body. The new chief selector Wahab Riaz was also adamant about including him in the Test series and had a word with him regarding the same following the 2023 World Cup.
However, Wahab Riaz was left disappointed after he couldn’t convince Harris Rauf to be part of the side. The chief selector claimed that Harris Rauf had initially agreed to be part of the side but later backed out.
However, another report cited that Rauf never agreed to be part of the squad for the Test series. Following a severe backlash from fans and members of the cricketing fraternity, Rauf had contemplated taking retirement from international cricket.
Haris Rauf in T20I Series Against New Zealand
He later decided against it after receiving advice from his friends and family members. Rauf is part of Pakistan’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against New Zealand. He endured a forgettable outing in the recently concluded 3rd T20I, he conceded as many as 60 runs in his quote of four overs. He took a beating from Finn Allen, who hammered Rauf for 27 runs in a single over, which included three sixes, two fours and a single.
In the first T20I, Rauf had picked 2 for 34, followed by returns of 3 for 38 in the second game. After winning the third T20I, New Zealand sealed the series 3-0, with two matches left to be played.
The fourth T20I is slated to be played at Hagley Oval in Christchurch on Friday.
PAK vs NZ 3rd T20 Brief Scores
Pakistan vs New Zealand, 3rd T20I: New Zealand: 224/7 (Finn Allen 137, Tim Seifert 31; Haris Rauf 2/60) beat Pakistan: 179/7 (Babar Azam 58, Md Nawaz 28; Tim Southee 2/29) by 45 runs
