Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf believed his team was on track to defend the low score of 203 against Australia in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, on November 4. Pakistan was bowled out for 203 in 46.4 overs after being put in to bat first, but they responded strongly with the ball, with Rauf taking 3/67 in nine overs.
Rauf on the loss
His efforts were in vain, though, as Australian captain Pat Cummins took his team home with an undefeated knock of 32* (31) after Pakistan lost the match by two wickets due to a little messy bowling. After the game, Rauf reflected on Pakistan's bowling and said that they were a little untidy, which resulted in a few extras. The speedster added that although the team gave it their all, the game did not go their way.
"We did give away extras but when you attack, you have to accept that these things happen. We did make mistakes, and we were a bit untidy. We know these little things make an impact. If you're a good bowling unit, then you can cover the batters falling 20-30 runs short if you tighten up in the field as well. We could have defended this and we all tried really hard. The game didn't go our way, but we gave no quarter in terms of our energy and our effort," said Rauf.
Haris Rauf's spell almost turns table
Josh Inglis (49) and Steven Smith (44), joined a huge 85-run partnership and had Australia cruising at one point. Rauf, however, broke the partnership by dismissing Smith when he was caught at point, which allowed his team to get back into the game. Additionally, he dismissed Glenn Maxwell (0 off 1) and Marnus Labuschagne (16 off 13) off consecutive balls, putting Australia at 139/6 in 20.2 overs.
Inglis (49) was also removed by Shaheen Afridi (2/43) thanks to an outstanding catch by Irfan Khan at deep mid-wicket. However, Australia took a 1-0 lead in the series thanks to lower order resistance from skipper Cummins. Pakistan, meanwhile, would be keen to win the second ODI on November 8 after losing the previous one.
