Haris Rauf focused on winning matches for Pakistan, not Super 8 calculation

Pakistan secured their first victory in the ICC T20 World Cup with a decisive seven-wicket win over Canada at Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Tuesday.

Despite this triumph, Pakistan’s advancement to the Super 8 is uncertain, as strong contenders India and the USA still pose significant competition.

In the post-match press conference, Haris Rauf expressed that the team is not preoccupied with the calculations concerning their chances of qualifying for the Super 8 in the 2024 T20 World Cup.

“We're focusing only on our match and how to play. If we win our match, then we will accept whatever happens,” Rauf said in the post-match press conference.

“Yes, you know that winning is so important. You have to set a tone in any tournament, we won the match, our focus is on our games, and hopefully we win the next match. And then whatever happens, if we qualify, then God willingly, we will qualify and we will play good cricket in the future,” he added.

Acknowledging that mistakes were made, Rauf remained optimistic about the future and committed to improvement.

"We played good cricket, but mistakes are made. I have given good performances in the past. I am back after injury and trying hard to perform," he said.

Rauf concluded his day with commendable figures of 4-0-26-2, marking a significant milestone by becoming the second Pakistani, after Shadab Khan, to reach 100 wickets in Men’s T20Is. Additionally, he became the fastest pacer to achieve this landmark in the shortest format.

“I don't have any goal. I can do 200-300 wickets, but I don’t think there is anything bigger than taking even one wicket for Pakistan,” Rauf added.