Haris Rauf rues not defending 203 in first ODI vs Australia: We were untidy

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf rued not being able to defend 203 in the first ODI vs Australia as they lost the match by two wickets.

In Short

• Haris Rauf picked three wickets in first ODI
• Pakistan scored 203 batting first
• Australia won the match by two wickets

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf felt his team was on course to defend the low total of 203 against Australia in the first ODI of the three-match series on Monday, November 4 at Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne. After being pout in to bat first, Pakistan were bundled out for 203 in 46.4 overs but gave a strong reply with the ball as Rauf picked up 3/67 in nine overs.

However, his efforts went in vain as a bit untidy bowling led to Pakistan losing the game by two wickets with Australian captain Pat Cummins taking his team home with captain Pat Cummins taking his team home with an unbeaten knock of 32* (31). Reflecting on Pakistan’s bowling after the game, Rauf mentioned that they were a bit untidy which led to a few extras. However, the speedster mentioned that the entire team put their best efforts but the game didn’t go their way.

"We did give away extras but when you attack, you have to accept that these things happen. We did make mistakes, and we were a bit untidy. We know these little things make an impact. If you're a good bowling unit, then you can cover the batters falling 20-30 runs short if you tighten up in the field as well. We could have defended this and we all tried really hard. The game didn't go our way, but we gave no quarter in terms of our energy and our effort,” said Rauf.

Haris Rauf's game changing spell

Australia were cruising at one stage courtesy of a massive 85-run stand between Josh Inglis (49) and Steven Smith (44). However, Rauf brought his team back into the game as he broke the partnership by dismissing Smith, getting him caught at point. He further got rid of Marnus Labuschagne (16 off 13) and Glenn Maxwell (0 off 1) off consecutive balls leaving Australia on 139/6 in 20.2 overs.

Shaheen Afridi (2/43) also dismissed Inglis (49) courtesy of a brilliant catch from Irfan Khan at deep mid wicket. However, lower order resistance from captain Cummins saw Australia home as they went 1-0 up in the series. Meanwhile, after losing first ODI, Pakistan will be eager to make a comeback in the second ODI on November 8.