Haris Rauf 'revitalised' for New Zealand series after rest

Pakistani paceman Haris Rauf says he is feeling physically fresh and motivated for home series

By Sohail Imran

April 08, 2023

An undated image of Haris Rauf celebrating after taking a wicket. — AFP/File

Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf said his energies have revived after rest and he is ready to hit the field again in the upcoming limited-over series against New Zealand.

The 29-year-old paceman who was rested for the three-match T20I series against Afghanistan recently said that he was feeling physically fresh and motivated for the home series.

“I got to rest after a long time so it will help me when I get back on the field. I’m physically fresh now and my energy level is better than before,” Rauf told Geo News.

He said that with the World Cup closing in, the Men in Green will try to claim the series as it was important to help them prepare for the mega event.

“We are not thinking about the fact that the New Zealand team doesn’t have renowned players. They still have players with international experience in their squad.”

He was also satisfied to see that Pakistan have adequate resources in the fast bowling department.

“The competition is increasing for fast bowlers and it’s good that we have a backup in this department,” he said. “Ihsanullah is also a good addition to our squad.”

“The cricketing world speaks very highly of Pakistani bowlers,” he added.

Pakistan squads

T20I: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed, Ihsanullah, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Haris, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Zaman Khan

ODI: Babar Azam (captain), Shadab Khan (vice-captain), Abdullah Shafique, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haris Sohail, Ihsanullah, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Shan Masood and Usama Mir. Reserves: Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed and Tayyab Tahir