Haris Rauf Eyes Middle-Over Wickets Before 2027 World Cup

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has stressed the importance of taking wickets in the middle overs as the team looks ahead to the 2027 World Cup, to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. He was speaking to reporters at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, October 23, ahead of Pakistan’s tri-series match against England on Sunday.

Tri-Series Start

Pakistan have made a promising start, beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 runs. Haris has taken four wickets at an average of 20 in those two matches.

Haris on Preparation

• He said teams must now be ready to score and chase 350-plus totals, and that wickets in the middle overs are key to controlling an innings.

• He pointed to reverse swing as a possible help under the revised ODI conditions, which use two new balls until the end of the 34th over and one ball for overs 35 to 50. He said the older ball can help in day matches, while dew can reduce its effect at night.

• He said pace remains very important and that he works on fitness through the off-season.

Domestic Form

Haris, 32, played four matches for Pakistan Television in the President’s Trophy Grade-I, taking 18 wickets at 20.11, with two four-wicket hauls and a best of 5-34. He said bowling longer spells in domestic cricket has improved his control of line and length and made one-day cricket easier for him.

Test Return

He said he is willing to return to Test cricket if the team needs a fast bowler, adding that he is working to make himself available.