November 10, 2024: Haris Rauf’s performance in Pakistan’s historic 2-1 ODI series victory over Australia was a standout moment, particularly his battle against Glenn Maxwell.
Rauf, who has been one of Pakistan’s premier fast bowlers, made a significant impact throughout the series, dismissing the Australian all-rounder three times in the three-match contest.
In an interview after the series, Rauf expressed that he felt “lucky” to have dismissed a player of Maxwell’s caliber on three occasions, acknowledging his opponent’s legendary status. Maxwell’s struggles against Rauf became one of the defining features of the series, with Rauf getting the better of him on multiple occasions, from Melbourne to Perth.
In the final ODI in Perth, Rauf’s pace and accuracy proved too much for Maxwell. On the second ball of his spell, Rauf angled one back into the Australian, forcing him to edge it to the hands of Saim Ayub. Maxwell, who had already been dismissed for ducks in the first two ODIs, walked back to the dressing room with another golden duck to his name, much to the delight of the Pakistani camp.
Rauf’s exceptional form in the series was particularly impressive given the challenging circumstances he faced leading into it. Having struggled with inconsistency and even being dropped from the Pakistan squad at times, his performances had been under scrutiny. Despite facing setbacks, including being dropped after a tough T20 World Cup, Rauf came back strongly, proving his worth. His central contract with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) had been terminated and later reinstated, and his performances in the series showcased that he was back to his best.
Ending the series as the leading wicket-taker with 10 scalps and an impressive bowling average of 12.00, Rauf was named both the Man of the Match in the decider and Man of the Series. His fire and intensity were key to Pakistan’s triumph, and he credited the win to his team, their resilience, and the fans’ support.
For Rauf, the series victory was not just about personal redemption, but also a significant morale booster for Pakistan cricket after a challenging period. His words in the post-match interview reflected the importance of the win, as he thanked Allah and the fans for their support.
