Former Pakistan pacer takes a dig at Haris Rauf

Former Pakistan fast bowler Wasim Akram expressed disappointment with Haris Rauf's bowling performance in the ODI World Cup 2023 clash between Pakistan and India. 

Pakistan batted first but could only manage a below-par total of 191 runs in 42.5 overs, experiencing a significant collapse after being at a promising 155/2. India's response was strong, with Rohit Sharma's exceptional performance, scoring 86 runs off 63 balls, leading India to a convincing victory with 19.3 overs to spare. 

However, Rauf faced criticism for his bowling display, conceding 43 runs in six overs without taking a wicket.

While speaking on a local sports channel, Akram, expressed concerns about Rauf's bowling. He pointed out that Rauf seems to only take wickets when batsmen aggressively target him and emphasized the need for Rauf to improve his length and adapt to the requirements of 50-over cricket.

“There’s an attitude about a bowler. Talking about Haris Rauf, and nothing against him as he’s been Pakistan’s main bowler. I think that he will only pick wickets when batters go after him. I’ve never seen him swing the ball and pick wickets like Bumrah did today. He has pace but he has to improve his length for one-day cricket,” Akram said.

Akram also praised India's Jasprit Bumrah for his exceptional bowling performance. Akram commended Bumrah's skill and considered him one of the best bowlers in the world, highlighting his clever bowling tactics and precision in keeping the ball within the stumps during the match.

“Jasprit Bumrah is a clever bowler, one of the best in the world. When he was not getting any swing initially, he was hit for a couple of fours but restricted the flow of runs after that. Everything was finishing within the stumps and that was a slow ball to dismiss Rizwan. Any batter would have got out on the delivery that got Shadab Khan,” he concluded.