‘We have to think about posting 350 first’: Haris Rauf on need for bigger totals in modern cricket

Haris Rauf (photo agency) Explaining his role alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf said their main job is to take important wickets and help the team win matches.Speaking to the media in Lahore, Rauf stressed the importance of teamwork as Pakistan look to continue their strong performance in the ongoing ODI tri-series.“My role, along with Naseem and Shaheen, is to take wickets for the team. This is a team game and everyone supports each other,” said Rauf.He also praised Shaheen’s presence in the bowling attack and said his inclusion gives Pakistan an added advantage.“Having Shaheen in the team is always beneficial,” he added.

Pakistan bowling plans and increasing runs

Pakistan started the tri-series well, winning their opening matches against Sri Lanka and England. Rauf said successfully defending a total of 300 runs is encouraging but teams now need to score more runs as modern cricket has become more aggressive.“Defending 300 runs is a good sign. Our aim is to ensure that the bowling unit continues to perform well. When teams score more than 300 or 400 runs, we also have to think about posting a total of 350 and defending them,” he said.Rauf also emphasized that taking wickets during the middle overs is important to prevent the opposition batsmen from scoring freely and building solid partnerships.“You have to take wickets in the middle overs. Wherever you play in the world, runs are scored because cricket has changed,” he noted.

Rauf focuses on the pace of Pakistan’s preparation for England

Rauf believes fast bowlers remain the main weapon in modern cricket. He said he is working on improving his fitness and speed to become more effective for Pakistan, while focusing on performances rather than criticism.“The fast bowler is the X-factor in today’s cricket. I am continuing to work on my fitness and pace so that I can give people less reason to talk,” he said.Temper also backed Pakistan batsmen Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to make important contributions in the remaining matches.After defeating Sri Lanka and England, Pakistan will return to action on Sunday after a two-day break against England in the fourth match of the tri-series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.The team will look to maintain their winning momentum with strong performances from both the batting and bowling units.