PAK vs SA: No 'umeed' from Haris Rauf as pacer fails to create impact this World Cup

Prior to the commencement of the Asia Cup 2023 and throughout the tournament, Haris Rauf was considered a potent force alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah for Pakistan. However, as the ICC Men's ODI World Cup 2023 got underway, Naseem Shah was ruled out due to injury, and Shaheen was notable for both taking wickets and conceding runs. Meanwhile, fast bowler Haris Rauf seemed to have lost his touch, and his struggles symbolized a broader concern for Pakistan.

Rauf had been more accustomed to operating during the middle overs and had excelled in that phase in 2023. Until the onset of the World Cup, he had been the leading wicket-taker between overs 11 and 40 overs, amassing 12 dismissals in 13 innings at an economy rate of 5.55.

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However, during this World Cup, in the absence of Naseem, skipper Babar Azam appeared to have entrusted him with the role of bowling during the powerplay as well. In this tournament, Rauf has delivered six overs during the powerplay, conceding 66 runs without capturing a wicket. His economy rate of 11 is the highest among all bowlers who have bowled at least six overs in this phase.

In the game against South Africa, Haris Rauf bowled nine overs, conceding 59 runs and secured the wicket of Marco Jansen (20). His struggles in the ICC World Cup 2023 have left fans, especially Pakistani netizens, losing their 'umeed' (faith) in Rauf's performance.

During his third over in the match against the Proteas, Rauf charged in with intent. Just an over earlier, he had delivered a fierce 150kmph bouncer that struck Rassie van der Dussen's helmet.

In the 13th over, the pacer decided to employ a similar tactic, but this time the key difference was that Aiden Markram, who had been in a formidable form, was facing. The South African batsman reacted swiftly, elevating himself off the ground with both feet in the air in a split second. While airborne, Markram fiercely swatted Rauf's delivery for a six over deep third man.

The match looks to end in favour of South Africa, who for the first time in the tournament looked to face some challenge after Pakistan posted 270 runs all out in 46.4 overs. However, the Proteas have lost 8 wickets and the game could end in Pakistan's favour.

Aiden Markram guided the side till the end scoring 91 runs before departing to Usama Mir's ball.