Haris Rauf, a key fast bowler for Pakistan, has recovered from a muscle injury and is set to play in the Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand. After missing a tri-series match, Rauf’s fitness return bolsters Pakistan’s bowling lineup as they look forward to their upcoming matches against New Zealand, India, and Bangladesh in the tournament.
Haris Rauf, the renowned Pakistani fast bowler, has successfully recovered from a muscular strain in his lower chest wall sustained on February 8 during a match in the recent tri-series against New Zealand and South Africa. Reports confirm that he will be available for the opening match of the Champions Trophy 2025, where Pakistan will face New Zealand on February 19 at the National Stadium in Karachi.
Rauf’s injury occurred during the match at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. A source quoted in a recent PTI report mentioned, “Haris is okay now, and the rest given to him after the first match of the Tri-Series has helped him recover well.” The source further indicated that there are no fitness concerns regarding other players in the squad.
Since his ODI debut against Zimbabwe on October 30, 2020, Rauf has made significant contributions to the team, playing 46 matches and claiming 83 wickets. His notable performance in November 2024 against Australia, where Pakistan secured a historic 2-1 series victory, underscores his importance in the squad’s bowling lineup alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah in the upcoming tournament.
After the opener against New Zealand, Pakistan will head to Dubai to face India in their second Group A match on February 23, following an earlier defeat to India in October 2023. In contrast, Pakistan will aim to replicate their impressive victory over India in the final of the last Champions Trophy held in 2017, where they triumphed by 180 runs.
Following the match against India, Pakistan will encounter Bangladesh in their third Group A game on February 27 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This sequence of matches highlights Pakistan’s ambitious objectives in the Champions Trophy, aiming for a strong performance throughout the tournament, particularly against their historic rivals.
In summary, Haris Rauf’s recovery from injury is a significant boost for Pakistan ahead of the Champions Trophy 2025. As the team prepares for critical matches against New Zealand and India, Rauf’s return enhances their bowling attack. The upcoming tournament presents an opportunity for Pakistan to showcase their capabilities and seek redemption against India after their previous loss.
Original Source: www.news18.com
