Haris Rauf's rise from tennis ball cricket to becoming a key pacer for Pakistan's cricket team has caught the attention of cricket pundits. This captivating journey has not gone unnoticed by Indian keeper-batter Dinesh Karthik, who spoke highly of Rauf's skill on the sidelines of The Hundred, expressing his admiration for the talented pacer.
Dinesh Karthik was quoted as saying on Sky Sports, "Few years ago he was playing tennis ball cricket. Gets picked up by the Qalandars, becomes a part of their team, and academy and then goes on to play the league and then has obviously gone on to do so well for Pakistan. He is arguably one of the better white ball bowlers going around in world cricket now, especially at the death."
Rauf's cricket career started with a domestic debut for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy, followed by an international debut in January 2020. He quickly cemented his place in Pakistan's white-ball teams, boasting an impressive record of 62 T20Is and 83 wickets at an average of 21.71 in less than three years.
The young bowler's notable achievements include his fastest delivery of 159 kmph against England in the T20 World Cup and a 154kph delivery, the fastest in PSL 2023. His match figures of 3-34 in the same PSL game highlighted his proficiency in fast bowling.
Rauf's path to success was filled with obstacles. Prior to his cricket career, he balanced his studies with a part-time job as a salesman. His life took a significant turn when he was selected by the Lahore Qalandars, a Pakistan Super League franchise.
Looking ahead to the ODI World Cup 2022, Rauf is set to join forces with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, forming one of the most formidable fast-bowling trios in modern cricket. Pakistan's pacers already displayed their skills in the T20 World Cup 2022, playing a vital role in keeping Pakistan competitive despite a challenging final match.
Haris Rauf's story is one of determination, skill, and the ability to overcome challenges. His exceptional performance and praise from the likes of Dinesh Karthik only amplify the spotlight on this cricket sensation.
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