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Pakistan‘s Haris Rauf endured a challenging day in the third T20I against New Zealand, with his struggles on full display at the University Oval in Dunedin on January 17.
Haris Rauf removes Devon Conway but faces Finn Allen’s fury
Rauf initially made an impact, dismissing Devon Conway and conceding only two runs in the fourth over. However, his fortunes changed drastically in his second over, facing the onslaught of Finn Allen, who plundered 28 runs off Rauf’s bowling in a single over. The 30-year-old seemed out of rhythm, struggling to find the right line and length, providing an advantage to Allen.
Allen’s blitz puts Rauf on the backfoot
Rauf encountered a formidable challenge when entrusted with the final over of the powerplay. Unfortunately, this decision turned out to be calamitous, particularly with the formidable Allen at the crease. The explosive batter initiated the over with a colossal 93-meter six over midwicket, signaling the beginning of a commanding batting exhibition.
The second and third deliveries of the over were expertly dispatched for fours, strategically targeting the fine leg and the region behind the wicketkeeper. Rauf, visibly unsettled, then delivered a wide, compounding his struggles in the over. Allen sustained his hitting spree with two consecutive sixes, with the first one impressively measured at 97 meters. The over concluded on a subdued note with a single, but by that point, New Zealand had firmly established their dominance, concluding the powerplay at 67/1.
Also WATCH: Babar Azam’s mighty six takes down a spectator in 3rd T20I; ex-captain’s reaction goes viral – NZ vs PAK 2024
Rauf finishes expensively
Rauf concluded his four-over spell with disappointing figures of 2/60, operating at an economy rate over 10. His subpar performance contributed to New Zealand posting a formidable 224/7 in 20 overs. The target proved insurmountable for Pakistan, leading to a comprehensive defeat by 45 runs and a series loss of 3-0 with two matches remaining.
Fans express displeasure over Rauf’s performance
The cricket fans on Twitter did not hold back in expressing disappointment with Rauf’s wayward bowling. Fans shared their frustration with Rauf’s expensive spell, contributing to Pakistan’s comprehensive defeat and the series loss.
Here’s how Twitter reacted:
Good Morning Haris Rauf Nation 🔥🔥🔥
60 runs scored in 24 balls vs NZ early in the morning 🔥🙏 pic.twitter.com/Gkv7divxvL— Dinda Academy (@academy_dinda) January 17, 2024
Shaheen Afridi said, "Haris Rauf is our best T20 bowler".
This is their best 😭 pic.twitter.com/Uij5sTClNc
— Div🦁 (@div_yumm) January 17, 2024
Son of Haris Rauf in future : pic.twitter.com/4d6XgTJ1fB
— UmdarTamker (@UmdarTamker) January 17, 2024
But Bhaijan pace is pace na! #HarisRauf #NZvsPAK pic.twitter.com/cplhsklw3Z
— Temba Bashira (@tembu_699) January 17, 2024
Fastest 50 of the Career for Haris Rauf in just 15 balls – Take a Bow #PAKvsNZ pic.twitter.com/IZysYiiEC5
— Ehtisham Siddique (@iMShami_) January 17, 2024
Haris Rauf 😹😹 pic.twitter.com/6vLPhkLjga
— H🐇. (@hp_mode2) January 17, 2024
Haris Rauf put his career on line by refusing test cricket just to bowl like this in T20? 🤡🤡🤡🤡 #PAKvsNZ
— Ali Sufian (@AliSufianWasif) January 17, 2024
Hafeez waiting for Haris Rauf in the Dressing Room#NZvsPAK pic.twitter.com/LHu4n63MTM
— عاقد (@aquidtweets) January 17, 2024
Haris rauf almost decided to take retirement from international but BCCI convenience him is take his decision back pic.twitter.com/smx7uU7T7D
— 𝗕𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗿 Khan (@Babaristic) January 17, 2024
Finn Allen to Haris Rauf
6,4,4,wd,6,6,1🔥🔥 = 28 Runs in 1 over
Don’t know y Pakistan play him#pakvsnz #NZvPAK pic.twitter.com/mc34mHhzcM— AP (@AksP009) January 17, 2024
haris rauf getting smashed at 5 am, absolute cinema.
— عثمان (@usmssss) January 17, 2024
50 in just 15 balls, Haris Rauf you beauty 🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/V95bh2Gf6o
— Sudhanshu Ranjan Singh (@memegineers_) January 17, 2024
Chad Haris Rauf with Fastest Fifty 🗿 pic.twitter.com/hNd5AVzyIP
— VIDYANAND HARRO ☠︎︎ (@punisher_rvd) January 17, 2024