Haris Rauf's antics turned heads during Big Bash League 2025-2026 match between Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars. The incident involved Melbourne Stars' Pakistani pacer Haris Rauf and Perth Scorchers' New Zealand opener Finn Allen, providing fans at Perth Stadium with a brief moment of theater during the heat of the game.
Haris Rauf involved in physical altercation with Finn Allen
The encounter took place at the conclusion of the third over of the Scorchers’ run chase. As the players crossed paths near the pitch, Rauf delivered a firm shove to Allen’s shoulder while walking past. The sudden physical contact initially stunned spectators and fellow players, momentarily creating an air of tension that suggested a serious on-field confrontation might be brewing.
However, the perceived hostility vanished almost instantly as both players turned toward one another and erupted in laughter. It quickly became evident that the shove was nothing more than high-spirited banter between two international competitors. Rauf further defused the situation by engaging in a playful exchange with the on-field umpire, ensuring the officials were aware of the friendly nature of the interaction. To prevent any lingering controversy or misinterpretation by match officials, Rauf and Allen shared a handshake shortly after.
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Rauf delivered a blistering performance at the Perth Stadium, dismantling the Perth Scorchers' top order with a display of raw pace and aggressive bounce. His dominance began in the third over when he removed Australian captain Mitchell Marsh, who was forced into a mistimed shot by an awkwardly climbing delivery. Glenn Maxwell comfortably settled under the resulting high ball, sending Marsh back to the pavilion for 12 and handing the Melbourne Stars their first major breakthrough.
The Pakistani pacer continued his rampage in the same over, quickly claiming a second victim. He tempted number three batter Cooper Connolly with a short, wide delivery that the youngster tried to power away; however, Connolly could only manage a mistimed hit directly to Hilton Cartwright. Rauf’s triple-strike was completed when he surprised Josh Inglis with another sharp, rising ball that caught the edge and flew into the air, allowing wicketkeeper Sam Harper to sprint across for a brilliant catch.
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Despite being reduced to a precarious position under Rauf’s relentless pressure, the Scorchers found a hero in Finn Allen. The New Zealander stabilised the innings and then counter-attacked, finding a steady partner in Aaron Hardie, who remained unbeaten on 41. Together, the pair orchestrated a dominant 94-run partnership for the fourth wicket, effectively neutralizing the Stars' bowling attack and shifting the momentum entirely back to the home side.
Allen’s masterful 69 off 39 balls ensured that the Scorchers chased down the modest target of 131 with ease, securing a six-wicket victory on Saturday. While Rauf stood out as the lone threat for the Melbourne Stars, the rest of the bowling unit struggled to provide support when it mattered most. Fortunately for the Stars, despite the heavy defeat, both they and the Scorchers have officially qualified for the BBL 2025-26 playoffs.