T20 World Cup Final 2022: "I Started Playing Professional Tape-Ball Cricket In Different Cities And Earning Money To Manage My Fees - Haris Rauf Recalls His Journey Ahead Of Final

Pakistan advanced to the final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 after defeating New Zealand by seven wickets in the semi-final. The final will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Sunday, November 13. Pakistan are just one match away from recreating their heroics at the 1992 World Cup.

The Babar Azam-led side had a lot of twists and turns en route to their third T20 World Cup final. Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf recently opened up about his struggles from the past. He recalls his journey from a tape-ball professional to becoming a pace-bowling spearhead for his country.

I Never Thought To Be Professional Cricketer – Haris Rauf

The 29-year-old said that he had to manage his studies and a part-time job as a salesman when he first started playing cricket. He stated that getting picked by the Qalandars in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) made a significant impact on his career and helped him reach the top of the game.

“Most of the cricketers from Pakistan start with tape-ball cricket and my start was no different. I used to play on roads and never thought to be a professional cricketer. I used to study and do part-time job as a salesman,” Rauf was quoted as saying in a video on Pakistan Cricket’s Twitter handle.

“When I joined my university, I started playing professional tape-ball cricket in different cities and earning money to manage my fees. I went to the trials of Lahore Qalandars in 2017 and got selected there,” he stated.

Dot Balls Create Pressure In Death Overs – Haris Rauf

Haris Rauf has picked up six wickets in six matches at an economy rate of 7.04 in the ongoing T20 World Cup. The 29-year-old is used more in the death overs than in the power play. He took 39 wickets with an average of 15.76 and an economy rate of 7.91 in the final five overs of T20Is.

“In death overs, whenever you bowl, you should have a clear mind. You know that every batter will try to hit you and that’s where dot balls create pressure. The more dot balls you bowl, the better it is for you,” Rauf added.

Rauf also played for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he took a hat-trick and a five-wicket haul at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

Also read: T20 World Cup Final 2022: “He Has The Opportunity Right Now To Achieve Greatness And Leave Behind A Legacy” – PCB Chairman Ramiz Raja Heaps Praise On Babar Azam Ahead Of Final