NEW DELHI: Former Pakistani cricketers have sharply criticised Haris Rauf’s performance in the Asia Cup final against India, where he conceded 50 runs in four overs. The veterans particularly questioned his death-over bowling and captain Salman Ali Agha’s decision to bring him on during a crucial phase when India needed 147 runs to win.Mohammad Yousuf, former Pakistani batsman, expressed concerns about Rauf’s performance at the death.
“We have to understand Haris Rauf – how many matches he has blown away at the end (“marwaa diya”). He shouldn’t be bowling the end overs. You remember the past world cups – har jagah isney maar khaayi hai (he has been smashed everywhere) … If he had bowled better, the scenario would have been different,” Yousuf said on Samaa TV.Former wicketkeeper Kamran Akmal highlighted Rauf’s struggles in big matches.“Haris Rauf doesn’t win the big games. We all remember the Melbourne game (when Kohli hit Rauf for two sixes). The captain has to understand which bowler needs to be used in such situations. We are not learning, keep making mistakes,” Akmal told ARY News.Tauseef Ahmed, former Pakistan offspinner, questioned Rauf’s repeated poor performances in crucial moments.“We say anything can happen in cricket. But why do such things only happen to Haris Rauf in cricket? We have other bowlers who are outside. Stop the stories of franchise cricket. End franchise’s influence. Only Haris Rauf could have done this. Not Hasan Ali or another youngster. We also have been hit in our time, but not every time like this.”The match situation became critical when Rauf was brought in for the 15th over, after spinners had conceded only 13 runs in three overs. Rauf gave away 17 runs in that over, shifting momentum firmly towards India.Mohammad Amir, former fast bowler, criticized the tactical decision.“It was a huge mistake to give Rauf that over. The spinners had created a momentum towards you. But they removed the spinner Saim and brought in the fast bowler Rauf, and that changed the momentum completely. No doubt he is your wicket-taking bowler, but that situation demanded spinners to be bowled. You wouldn’t have lost this game. Shaheen and Faheem had bowled so well in the powerplay,” Amir said on his YouTube channel.Former captain Rashid Latif suggested alternative bowling options.“Haris Rauf shouldn’t have bowled that over. Abrar Ahmed should have bowled that and when he came back, he had to change ends. That’s very important for a spinner. Saim could have bowled, we never gave Mohammad Nawaz,” Rashid said on Geo News.
