Will Haris Rauf Play Against New Zealand? Rizwan Gives HUGE UPDATE About Injured Pacer

Ten days ago, Pakistan were dealt a body blow ahead of the Champions Trophy with ace speedster Haris Rauf picking up a side strain in the first ODI of the tri-series involving New Zealand and South Africa.

Playing against New Zealand in Lahore, Rauf bowled 6.2 overs for 23 runs but had to leave the field midway through his seventh over. He then took no part in the remainder of the tri-series despite Pakistan making it all the way to the final.

Considering Rauf’s absence, Pakistan fans feared the worst, but on the eve of the mega event, skipper Mohammad Rizwan confirmed that the tearaway quick is close to ‘fully fit’ and could feature against the Blackcaps in the curtain-raiser.

“Yesterday he [Rauf] bowled about 6 to 8 overs approximately, before that he bowled about 60%, and today he is bowling with full rhythm,” Rizwan said in the pre-match press conference.

“He has put in a lot of effort in the gym and here as well. He is saying that he doesn't have any problem. So, I hope he is fully fit.”

Should he be fully fit, Rauf will walk into Pakistan’s starting XI. In his absence, the Men in Green tried deploying Mohammad Hasnain and Faheem Ashraf as the third seamer, but neither pacer was able to make a positive impression.

Pakistan have already lost star opener Saim Ayub due to an ankle injury.