Pakistan’s performance has been up and down throughout the ODI World Cup 2023. They are on the brink of elimination from the competition as they have a near-impossible chase to achieve against the defending champions England. The Men in Green’s bowling department has let the team down, especially the fast bowling department. The 1992 World Champions has a rich history of pacers in the world with the likes of Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis, and Imran Khan.
Haris Rauf, the speedster has been in controversy for his poor bowling display in the marquee tournament. He has now conceded 500 runs which has been a concern for the fans and former players. He has a bowling economy of 6.94, which is also one of the worst in the tournament.
The pacer’s form has been down since the Asia Cup 2023, and despite picking 14 wickets in the tournament. Though he has picked up 3 wickets for 63 runs in his 10 overs against England in Kolkata. He became the first Asian bowler to achieve the record of conceding 500 runs. His strike rate of 32.14 is also one of the worst among the top-10 bowlers. Not only Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Shadab Khan have also been poor with their form as well.
Babar Azam to step down as captain?
On being asked about the captaincy, Babar Azam replied saying, “About the captaincy–as I said, once we go back to Pakistan or after this match, we will see what happens. But right now, I am not focusing on this; my focus is on the next match. I have been captaining my team for the last three years, and I have never felt this way.”
The Pakistan skipper added that, “It’s just because I have not performed the way I should have in the World Cup, that’s why people are saying that I am under pressure. I am under no pressure. I have been doing this for the last 2.5 or 3 years. I was the one who was performing, and I was the one who was the captain. I was applying the same thing.”
Here’s how fans reacted
500 runs by Haris Rauf.
Just like a Wow ? pic.twitter.com/qogpQVExmB— Abhishek Ojha (@vicharabhio) November 11, 2023
4th highest run scorer in the tournament, despite being a bowler, what a star! ???
— Jaanvi? (@that_shutterbug) November 11, 2023
His name should be Breaking Rauf ! pic.twitter.com/wovzUDEsHe
— Aditya (@AdityaDntCare) November 11, 2023
LEADING RUN SCORER LOL pic.twitter.com/i1bEkVRxHp
— TROLL PAKISTAN CRICKET (@trollpakistanii) November 11, 2023
So beautiful,So elegant just looking like a wow ?? pic.twitter.com/SXd0W3PuHk
— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) November 11, 2023
Haris Rauf bowling at 150 km/hour and going for 500+ runs at an economy rate of nearly 7 runs an over. Proves that bowling fast means nothing if you're bowling trash.
— Zucker Doctor (@DoctorLFC) November 11, 2023
Better than bumrah Shami and siraj they need different ball ??
— N (@HazardPxcked) November 11, 2023
Only Pakistan Goat in that list ??
— Manu (@virat_facts) November 11, 2023
