Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf is likely to be rested for the tri-nation series clash against South Africa, set to be played at National Bank Stadium Karachi on Wednesday.
According to the sources, Rauf is in good health after feeling discomfort while bowling in the series opener against New Zealand.
However, the team management doesn’t want to take any risk by playing him against South Africa in the must-win game for the home team.
Moreover, sources revealed that the final decision to play him in the Pakistan versus South Africa clash will depend on the results of his MRI- reports.
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For the unversed, the right-arm bowler left the field during the 36th over of the single-league tournament opener after bowling 6.2 overs due to fitness concerns.
After his absence, the Men in Green bowling attack looked ominous, which was taken apart by Glenn Phillips who scored blistering century.
It is pertinent to note here that New Zealand achieved a convincing victory against Pakistan by 78 runs in the opening match of the tri-nation ODI series at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.
Batting first, Phillips scored a fiery unbeaten ton after Kane Williamson and Daryl Mitchell’s fifties to power New Zealand to 330 over the loss of six wickets.
Chasing 331, Pakistan got off to a promising start with the new opening pair of Fakhar and Babar Azam putting together a brisk 52-run stand.
Fakhar Zaman was the only silver lining for Pakistan as they crumbled in chase, and were bowled out for 252 in 47.5 overs at Gaddafi Stadium.
Pakistan squad for tri-nation series and Champions Trophy 2025:
Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
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