"We have learned a lot from this World Cup," says Haris Rauf

England defeated Pakistan by five wickets in the T20 World Cup final at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Babar Azam and his team could only score 138 runs when put in to bat first.

Although it was assumed that the 138-run target would be easy for the English batting line-up, which had chased 170 in 16 overs against India in the semi-final, it proved to be anything. The England team was built to earn every run in their pursuit of 138.

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The extraordinary bowling display produced by Pakistan's pace attack elevated the target. In particular, the Pakistan pace trio of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah produced a collective pace bowling that will be remembered for its lethal accuracy for ages.

Rauf opened up about the experience of playing in a tournament, notably a World Cup final, while wearing the Pakistan jersey after the game. He talked about playing in strange environments and progressing as a team.

In a video posted by the PCB, the Pakistan pacer said: “We have learned a lot from this World Cup. We played in different conditions and situations, and our journey had ups and downs.” 

He also added: “We had the hope that we would make it to the semifinals, and we made a comeback after the Netherlands game...the way we played against New Zealand gave us a lot of confidence, but unfortunately, we lost the final.” 

During the World Cup, the right-arm quick also assessed his development as a player. "I learned a lot as a player."

Rauf also discussed how the team had stayed together despite the ups and downs of the tournament. "We all back each other, and there is belief in the team. Babar Azam gives us all a lot of confidence. I am grateful to the fans in Pakistan and the fans in Australia who supported us and enjoyed the final tonight.” 

Pakistan will now play a three-match Test series against England at home starting December 1. Owing to injury, Shaheen Afridi will reportedly be missing out, which is likely to make way for Rauf to make his Test debut.