In a significant setback for Pakistan’s pace attack, star bowler Haris Rauf will miss the Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash against arch-rivals India due to a suspected side strain. This unfortunate development has left the team in a challenging position as they gear up for a crucial encounter.
The full extent of Rauf’s injury remains unclear at this stage. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) issued an official statement, revealing that Haris Rauf will not participate further in the Asia Cup Super Four match against India as a precautionary measure. The decision comes after Rauf experienced discomfort in his right flank during the previous match.
To assess the severity of the injury, Rauf underwent a precautionary MRI scan, which fortunately showed no signs of a tear. Nevertheless, the fast bowler will remain under the observation of the team’s medical panel. This precautionary approach is crucial, especially with the upcoming World Cup looming on the horizon.
Asia Cup 2023: Morne Morkel Confirms Haris Rauf Will Miss IND vs PAK
Pakistan’s Bowling Coach, Morne Morkel, shed light on the situation, explaining that Haris Rauf began feeling discomfort in his oblique muscle. The scan confirmed some inflammation, prompting the decision to rest him. Morkel also expressed his views on Pakistan’s bowling performance in the previous game, acknowledging that they weren’t quite on target from the start, resulting in a few costly runs.
In the previous encounter, India’s openers, Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill, set the stage with impressive half-centuries, forming a partnership of 121 runs. Although Rauf bowled five wicketless overs and conceded 27 runs, he managed to provide some semblance of control to the Pakistan side. Despite India posting 147 runs on the board for the loss of two wickets, Pakistan’s bowlers made a spirited comeback to regain control of the run rate.
Rain played spoilsport during the originally scheduled day of the match, causing a delay of nearly four hours. As the action resumes, India will continue their innings at 147/2, with Virat Kohli (8*) and KL Rahul (17*) unbeaten at the crease.
The absence of Haris Rauf presents Pakistan with a formidable challenge, especially against a strong Indian side. The team will have to rely on their remaining bowlers to fill the void left by their star pacer. As the Super Four clash unfolds, cricket fans from both nations eagerly await the outcome, hoping for a thrilling contest between two cricketing giants.
