Haris Rauf to miss action on reserve day of IND vs PAK Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf will not bowl against India in Asia Cup 2023 Super Four clash.

Haris Rauf won't be playing in the remainder of Asia Cup super four game against India on the reserve day in Colombo. He reported "a little discomfort in his right flank" on the originally scheduled match day, which was affected by rain after just 24.1 overs were bowled.

The PCB statement that confirmed the injury said, "He was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He is under the observation of the team's medical panel."

'Pulled an oblique muscle,' update on Haris Rauf

Morne Morkel, Pakistan's bowling coach, said on the official broadcast that Rauf had "pulled an oblique muscle and with the ODI World Cup around the corner we're going to put him on ice for the moment."

As the match resumes on the reserve day, Pakistan will place their faith in their trio of fast bowlers, namely Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Faheem Ashraf. In the spin department, Shadab Khan will lead the way, while Iftikhar Ahmed and Agha Salman will contribute with their part-time off-spin options. Yesterday, Haris Rauf bowled 5 overs without managing to take any wickets and conceded 27 runs.

The absence of Rauf will certainly be a source of concern for Pakistan, given his pivotal role in their bowling attack. Usually, he comes on as the first change bowler after Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, and he has been in superb form, currently sharing the title of the tournament's leading wicket-taker with 9 wickets in 4 matches.