In the opening ODI of the tri-series against New Zealand, Pakistan was dealt a severe setback when star pacer Haris Rauf left the field after bowling 6.2 overs. Rauf stroked his hip and gave him a discomfited look before leaving. He twisted his ankle, according to reports in Pakistani media, however, the exact form and extent of the injuries are still unknown. With the Champions Trophy in two weeks, Pakistani supporters will be hoping that Rauf's injury is not too serious.
In his first spell, Haris Rauf rushed in with a lot of pace and got Tom Latham out for a duck. Before leaving, he gave up just 23 runs during his stay. Pakistan has placed their hopes on the speed three of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah because they lack a good spinner in their Champions Trophy team. It would be devastating for Pakistan if Rauf's injury is severe enough to prevent him from competing in the marquee event.
Pakistan has till February 12 to make changes to the Champions Trophy team. Even though the PCB has revealed the team for the main event, Mohsin Naqvi made a suggestion that the team may be altered.
The inclusion of Faheem Ashraf and Khushdil Shah, who have not played for Pakistan in over a year, has caused some debate regarding the team's selection for the Champions Trophy, according to certain former cricket players. Naqvi said the selection committee will be reviewing the squad and can make potential changes before the deadline.
"The selectors have the right to review any squad they announce. Khushdil Shah and Faheem Ashraf have been included in the squad with the right intentions," he said.
Meanwhile, New Zealand posted a massive score of 330-6 in the first ODI with the help of Daryl Mitchell's 81 and Glenn Phillips' maiden century (106).