Pakistan will bounce back strongly: Haris

ISLAMABAD: Haris Rauf, who played his first T20 International against England at Edgbaston against England after recovering from injury, said Pakistan are capable of bouncing back in the series with full force.

In a media talk ahead of the third T20 in Cardiff on Tuesday, Haris said that the efforts were on to make a strong comeback in the series. “We have committed some mistakes. We are confident that these mistakes will not be repeated in the matches to come. I am hopeful that the team will make a strong comeback in the next two matches of the series.”

Haris said that the selected team would be making his best efforts to execute plans coming from the management. “Sometimes you make mistakes but we would make every possible effort to execute the plan coming from the team’s management.”

On a question about Saim Ayub and Azam Khan’s form, he said: “Both are aggressive cricketers. When they click, they will win the match for the team. Hopefully, during the coming matches they will make the best use of their talent.” On his personal performance, Haris said that he has regained fitness.

“I have made every possible effort to get fit and ready. During my injury period I took stock of my performance and tried maximum to overcome weaknesses wherever these were. I am much fitter and ready as you have seen in the second T20.” On batting woes, Haris hoped that the batting line-up would come strong in remaining matches.

“I have to admit we are facing the defending champions which is not easy. Efforts would be made to win the next two matches and win the series. Winning here would help us gain the required momentum for the World Cup. When you beat world champions that means you are capable of beating the best. So it will be a big boost for the Pakistan team ahead of the mega event.”

Haris added that winning the World Cup would bring joy to the Pakistan nation. “We aimed at winning the World Cup and bringing joy to the nation.” England skipper Jos Buttler will miss Tuesday’s match as he will be with his wife for the birth of their child.