Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf is expected to be fully fit for the Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand, as confirmed by captain Mohammad Rizwan. After recovering from a chest muscle sprain, Rauf has been actively bowling and training without complaints. Pakistan aims to deploy their preferred bowling lineup, including Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah, against a New Zealand team that defeated them twice recently. Rizwan recognizes the need for improvement in professionalism and consistency, expressing a strong desire to win the tournament, especially at home, emphasizing the team’s collective effort to secure victory.
“Haris bowled 6-8 overs a couple of days ago and continued with a good workout yesterday,” Rizwan mentioned during the captain’s press conference ahead of the tournament. “He’s maintaining his rhythm today as well. He’s also been active in the gym and hasn’t reported any pain. We believe he’s fully ready to play.”
Rauf had suffered a muscular sprain in his chest while bowling during the tri-series opener against New Zealand on February 8, and he was racing against the clock to recover in time for the tournament. He missed the rest of the series, although ESPNcricinfo understands this was more about caution than an indication of the injury’s severity.
Post press conference, Rauf was observed practicing in the nets during Pakistan’s final training session before the tournament at the National Stadium. This allows Pakistan to field what they consider their first-choice bowling attack, which includes Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Rauf. These three had previously played together in a bowling line-up that fell short against New Zealand in the tri-series opener. They will face the same opponent tomorrow in the Champions Trophy opener, marking Pakistan’s first ICC tournament since 1996.
“We endured a decade when no teams came here,” Rizwan remarked. “But Pakistan consistently delivered strong performances. Therefore, we have complete faith in our capabilities.”
Nonetheless, it’s hard to ignore that Pakistan enters their first match as relative underdogs. New Zealand defeated them twice in the tri-series, emerging unbeaten to claim the title. They showcased their all-around skills by defending a target against Pakistan in one match and achieving comfortable victories against South Africa and Pakistan in subsequent games. Meanwhile, they effectively managed injuries to fast bowlers Lockie Ferguson and Ben Sears, maintaining their fast-bowling threat while controlling Pakistan through the middle overs with a diverse range of spinners.
“There are fluctuations and certain shortcomings in our squad,” Rizwan acknowledged. “We recognize our need to enhance our professionalism and consistency.”
“We aimed to learn from the tri-series, which is why we chose to bat first in the final to identify our weaknesses. We considered that series as a developmental exercise. We hope we’ve gained sufficient insights to address those weaknesses for tomorrow’s game.”
However, alongside his usual optimistic outlook, Rizwan’s comments reflected a rare intensity that he has seldom revealed. He often expresses a resigned acceptance of “the will of Allah,” which can alleviate some pressure—a useful trait for a Pakistan captain. But today, Rizwan seemed close to envisioning the fervent desire he possesses to win an ICC event, particularly one on home soil.
“We’ve come very close several times,” he stated. “We need to discover how to secure that additional one percent needed to triumph in those significant matches. No one can ensure success, and we continue to seek that final step to avoid losing crucial games or tournaments.
“Every player is eager for this title. We are committed to figuring out how to win. I don’t believe any other nation works as hard as we do.”
It is uncommon to see Rizwan express such determination. Before long, he returned to his usual affable self, emphasizing that “all 15 players are leaders” and the importance of team efforts over individual accolades. Yet, perhaps that quest for “the extra one percent” is precisely what Pakistan, along with Rizwan, is earnestly pursuing.
Danyal Rasool is ESPNcricinfo’s Pakistan correspondent. @Danny61000