Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf (Credits: Twitter)

Haris Rauf, on Wednesday, further enhanced his reputation by taking his first-ever T20 hat-trick while playing for Melbourne Stars in the ongoing Big Bash League. He picked up 3 in 3 against Sydney Thunder at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. He was the second player on Thursday to take a hat-trick in the BBL. Prior to him, Afghanistan star Rashid Khan had also achieved the same feat while playing for Adelaide Strikers against Sydney Sixers.

Haris Rauf removed well-set Sydney Thunder batsman Matthew Gilkes for 42 with a slower ball. He then got the big wicket of captain Callum Ferguson with a slower ball. On the next delivery, he accounted for Daniel Sams, this time with a pacy, in-swinger. Sams was struck on the pads and the umpire had no hesitation to give it out.

Haris Rauf
Haris Rauf (Credits: Twitter)

The uncapped Pakistan pacer’s hat-trick helped the Stars restrict Sydney Thunder to 145/5 in their 20 overs. The Stars went on to win the game to make it to the top of the points table. Thunder openers Usman Khawaja and Alex Hales started well by putting on 56 runs for the opening wicket before both fell in consecutive overs.

But Matthew Gilkes and Callum Ferguson put on 83 runs for the third wicket to bring the innings on track. The Thunder eventually finished on 145. In reply,  Marcus Stoinis (50 off 44) and Glenn Maxwell (59* off 37) helped Stars chase down the target with 2.1 overs to spare.

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New celebration:

Earlier this season, Haris Rauf created a stir when he came up with a celebration that mimicked throat slitting. Not only the fans but some big names including Australia’s former rugby player Darryl Brohman also expressed his displeasure with the celebration style.

“Not sure we need the throat-cutting gesture from Haris Rauf every time he takes a wicket. Clearly a very good bowler but the post wicket antics are over the top. Who’s with me,” Brohman tweeted.

Well, Haris Rauf did not take long to change his celebration after the widespread criticism. On Thursday, he brought out the new ‘adaab’ celebration after dismissing Matthew Gilkes.

Here is a clip of that celebration from Haris Rauf: