Haris Rauf Emulates Waqar Younis with Record-Breaking 50th ODI Scalp vs Bangladesh
Rauf reached his 50th ODI wicket in the Asia Cup match against Bangladesh [AP Photo]
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore witnessed yet another bowling masterclass as Pakistan speedster, Haris Rauf steered his team to a commanding position in the first Super Fours game of Asia Cup 2023 against Bangladesh.
PAK vs BAN: Haris Rauf bagged his 50th ODI wicket
From the start, the stadium was electric, filled with hopeful fans. By the eighth over, the atmosphere reached its peak when Rauf readied himself to bowl to Bangladesh's settled opener, Mohammad Naim, who was confidently standing on 20.
However, with his signature pace, Rauf unleashed a hard-length delivery. Attempting to turn the tide, Naim ambitiously aimed for a pull, but the ball's angle left him floundering. The result? A mistimed shot that spiralled upwards, only to be effortlessly caught by the bowler himself.
Notably, this wasn't just another wicket for the pacer; it marked his 50th ODI wicket in his 27th match for his country. In doing so, the lanky pacer became the third joint-fastest Pakistan bowler to 50 ODI wickets after Hasan Ali (24), Shaheen Afridi (25) and Waqar Younis (27).
The momentum swung decidedly in Pakistan's favour thereafter. Bangladesh, who had decided to bat first after winning the toss, already faced a setback with their last match's hero, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, departing for a golden duck, courtesy of Naseem Shah.
Soon after, Shaheen Afridi managed to send Litton Das back to the pavillion for 16. Rauf, not settling with just one wicket, displayed his brilliance yet again, taking down Towhid Hridoy with a ferocious delivery that knocked him over for just 2.
With Bangladesh struggling at 78/4, the responsibility now rests on the shoulders of captain Shakib Al Hasan and the seasoned Mushfiqur Rahim. They face the Herculean task of reviving their innings against Pakistan's relentless bowling attack.
Quickest to 50 ODI wickets by Pakistan Bowler
| Player | Matches |
|---|---|
| Hasan Ali | 24 |
| Shaheen Afridi | 25 |
| Waqar Younis | 27 |
| Haris Rauf | 27 |
| Saqlain Mushtaq | 28 |
![[Watch] Haris Rauf Castles Towhid Hridoy With an Absolute Ripper](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1693996950266_Screenshot 2023-09-06 at 4.12.07 PM.png)
 "Jatin")