wicket” title=”Haris Rauf (Image credit: PCB)” decoding=”async” fetchpriority=”high”/>NEW DELHI: Pakistan's experienced pacer Haris Rauf named his favorite wicket among the ten he took in Pakistan's historic 2-1 ODI series win against Australia. This series was Pakistan's first ODI series win in Australia in 22 years, with a stunning comeback from a 0-1 deficit securing victory.
Rauf's electrifying pace was crucial in changing the momentum in Pakistan's favour, while Australia's top players struggled with his blistering pace. He dominated the pace gun during the three ODIs and ended up becoming the leading wicket-taker. Rauf was fired in Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth Glenn Maxwell three times, with his fiery pace he also worried stars like Steven Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.
Rauf recalled his favorite dismissals in a conversation with fellow pacer Shaheen Afridi in a video shared by Pakistan cricket on X and said, “My favorite wicket was of Maxwell and then Marnus Labuschagne.”
Maxwell in particular was unable to find an answer to Rauf's pace and bounce and faced repeated dismissals.
Rauf explained his approach simply: “The plan was nothing special. When you get batters like that out, you gain a lot of confidence and people start to love you more.”
This series win is part of a resurgence for Pakistan, who recently celebrated a 2-1 Test series win over England, marking their first red-ball series win since February 2021.
Looking back on the atmosphere, Rauf added: “As a team we needed this win. Everyone is happy and the mood in the team is very good.”
After the ODI success, Pakistan will now focus on a three-match T20I series against Australia, scheduled to begin on Thursday.