Injury scare for Pakistan pacer prevents further role in India game
Rauf experienced discomfort in his right flank on Sunday in the game against India that was carried over to Monday. The pace bowled five overs including the final completed over on Sunday.
According to a release from the Pakistan Cricket Board, Rauf was taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear, but will not bowl further in this game as a precautionary step.
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Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf was player of the match for taking 4/22 against New Zealand at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2021
Rauf picked up three wickets in the first fixture against India and has been in good form in the Asia Cup so far. He is the highest wicket-taker for Pakistan in ODIs since 2022 with 39 wickets in 20 ODIs at an average of 22.64 including four hauls of four wickets or more.
Alongside Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, Rauf forms a potent three-prong pace attack that has made Pakistan's bowling unit one of the best in ODIs and saw them rise to No.1 in the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI Team Rankings recently.
While they are not at the pole position currently with Australia edging over them with the win over South Africa, Pakistan can go back to No.1 if they beat India on Monday.
Pakistan are yet to announce their provisional squad for the Cricket World Cup. Rauf's injury might not be a long-term concern, but the team has until September 28 to name the final squad.