Aaqib Javed reveals why Haris Rauf was added to ODI team for New Zealand series

Pakistan head coach Aaqib Javed opened up about why Haris Rauf was included in the squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. He said that with conditions being good for bowling, the pacer can play a major role for the team.

Pakistan National Cricket Team made a massive addition to their squad for the ODI series against New Zealand. The Mohammad Rizwan-led side added fast bowler Haris Rauf into the team for the three games after he looked sensational in the T20I series.

Haris Rauf was the biggest positive for Pakistan in the T20I series against New Zealand

Haris Rauf was the biggest positive for Pakistan in the T20I series against New Zealand, which they lost by 4-1. The fast bowler looked threatening with the ball and troubled the New Zealand batters with his raw pace and terrific lines and lengths.

Haris Rauf picked eight wickets in four matches at an impressive average of 12.25 in the T20I series. The pacer wasn't included in the ODI squad earlier, and with the kind of performances he displayed in T20Is, he forced PCB to add him to the team for 50-over games.

He proved that he is the best option - Aaqib Javed on Haris Rauf

While talking about his inclusion in the ODI squad, Aaqib Javed said that Haris Rauf proved that he is the best option in these conditions. He admitted that their bowlers are less effective in flat conditions, citing the example of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Speaking to the media, he said:

"In these conditions, he proved that he is the best option because when you play on pitches where the total is not like 300+ when there are bowling conditions, Haris can play a major role. We have read that the Pakistani team faced difficulties in the Champions Trophy.

"When there are flat tracks and you don't get that kind of support in bowling, when there are more runs, we are struggling a bit. I think the way the bowling conditions are, Pakistan should give a better performance in this series."

You have a good team for the one-day - Aaqib Javed

Aaqib Javed also was asked about the 50-over team. He admitted that although their performances in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 weren't up to the mark they have a good side in the ODIs. He added:

"You have a good team for the one day. They are performing well. There are no doubt that there were two matches in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan. If you look at it from that perspective, Fakhar was unfit in the New Zealand match. It is very important for the impact players to play and make run on the batting pitches.

"Whatever runs you are making, there were about 350 runs being made in Pakistan. The second match was against India. They were also in a good position in one situation. Moving forward, your team is settled in the one-day and is performing well. That is why we want to make changes in T20. The Asia Cup and World Cup are also in India and the subcontinent."

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