Pakistani fast-bowler, Haris Rauf, has been making his name known in the Big Bash League (BBL). Rauf is representing Melbourne Stars in the ongoing tournament and has displayed outstanding performance with the ball in just 5 appearances so far.

Haris Rauf in Big Bash League (BBL):

The 26-year-old bowler had been in Australia because of a Lahore Qalandars’ training program. There he was picked up by the Melbourne Stars as a replacement for Dale Steyn, who had been suffering from a side strain, for only 3 matches. To everyone’s surprise, Haris Rauf bowled brilliantly as he claimed 10 wickets in the 3 matches, including a 5-wicket haul against Hobart Hurricanes in the tournament.

Rauf had attracted the attention of many through his bowling after his 3-match contract was over and Dale Steyn was back in the game for his remaining matches. Fate gave Rauf another chance as Pat Brown, who was set to replace Dale Steyn as the overseas player for the rest of the tournament, was ruled out of all cricket due to a lower back stress fracture. Due to that, Haris Rauf got another chance to represent Melbourne Stars in Big Bash League (BBL).

Rauf has secured a total of 14 wickets so far and is the second-highest wicket-taker despite only playing 5 matches with a terrific average of 8.50 and an economy rate of under 6.

Haris Rauf speaks about representing Pakistan in the T20 World Cup:

The Pakistani bowler was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo: “It’s a completely different experience here. The standard of cricket, the crowd and the atmosphere around make you truly absorbed in the game. Every moment in the field is enjoyable and the enthusiasm from the crowd really intensifies your passion. It is a really great time out here for me and I am making most out of it. I know I have proved my potential and my next goal is to play for Pakistan in the T20 World Cup, which is also in Australia.

“I never really planned my future in cricket. I grew up playing with a tennis ball until 2017, and never thought that I could play for Pakistan. But this dream was given to me by Lahore Qalandars and Aaqib Javed’s persistence with me gave me direction. He has been a driving force for me. I had a feeling that a pure fast bowler bowling over 140kph can’t be ignored in Pakistan. I have the pace, the passion, and with all the development I started to believe that I can play top-level cricket.”