In a massive blow for Pakistan, their in-form fast bowler Haris Rauf won’t bowl against India on the reserve day of the Asia Cup 2023 Super Fours clash. Rauf felt discomfort in his right flank while bowling on September 10 and has been held back as a precautionary measure.
“Haris Rauf will not be bowling any further in the Asia Cup Super 4 match against India as a precautionary measure. He felt a little discomfort in his right flank during the match yesterday,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.
“He was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He is under the observation of the team’s medical panel.”
Rauf had bowled five overs on September 10 and conceded 10 overs. In his absence, Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman will have to chip in with a few overs if the rain does not play spoilsport and leads to a shorter game. However, in the run chase, if Pakistan lose nine wickets, he may come into bat. Rauf was substituted by Mohammad Haris in the field by Pakistan.
Rauf is the joint-highest leading wicket-taker of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023 alongside Bangladesh’s Taskin Ahmed. He has taken nine wickets from four matches already including a four-fer.
In the previous game against India, Rauf took the wickets of opener Shubman Gill, Shreyas Iyer, and wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan who scored 82 runs. He conceded 58 runs from nine overs as India were bowled out for 266 with seven balls left in the innings.
The game resumed at 4:40 PM IST on September 11 after rain caused a delayed start again.
Earlier, on September 10, Indian openers got off to an ideal start after Babar Azam won the toss and opted to field first. Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill scored half-centuries to lay a platform for the other batters. India were 147/1 from 24.1 overs with Virat Kohli and KL Rahul were in the middle before heavy downpour led to the game getting suspended.
MORE ON SPORTS TAK
IND vs PAK, Reserve Day: What is the cut-off time for a 20-over game and Pakistan's target in that case? Check key details here
Asia Cup 2023, IND vs PAK Reserve Day Weather Forecast: Will rain have the final say in Colombo? Know here
