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Worst Debut Ever? Haris Rauf Gets Schooled By New Zealand, Tops List Of Shame For Pakistan

Soumyajit Dutta

Haris Rauf [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]Haris Rauf [Source: @TheRealPCB/X]

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Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf registered an unwanted record during the first match of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand, delivering the most expensive spell by a Pakistani bowler in the tournament's history. The right-arm pacer conceded 83 runs in his 10-over spell while picking up two wickets at an economy rate of 8.30.

Rauf's expensive outing came as New Zealand posted a formidable 320/5 in their 50-over quota after being put to bat first by Pakistan at Karachi. Haris Rauf, known for his express pace, struggled with control throughout his spell. The pacer managed to dismiss Daryl Mitchell and Glenn Phillips, but his overall economy rate proved costly for Pakistan.

Rauf Tops List Of Shame For Pakistan

Notably, Rauf’s spell surpassed previous expensive spells by Pakistani bowlers in Champions Trophy history, adding to his list of forgettable outings in ICC events.

Players
Runs
Wickets
Economy Rate
Haris Rauf8328.30
Shaheen Shah Afridi6806.80
Yasir Arafat3316.60
Naseem Shah 6326.30
Wahab Riaz19936.28

New Zealand Dominate First Innings

In the Champions Trophy 2025 opener, New Zealand posted a commanding 320/5 in 50 overs after being asked to bat first. Will Young led the charge with a well-compiled 107 off 113 balls, anchoring the innings after early dismissals of Devon Conway (10) and Kane Williamson (1). Tom Latham played a crucial role with an unbeaten 118, ensuring a strong finish for the Kiwis.

Pakistan’s bowling attack struggled to contain the New Zealand batters, with Rauf being the most expensive among them. Naseem Shah was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 2/63, while Abrar Ahmed chipped in with 1/47. Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan’s spearhead, remained wicketless and conceded 68 runs in his 10 overs.

At the innings break, Pakistan now face a daunting chase of 321 to start their Champions Trophy campaign on a winning note. With a strong New Zealand bowling attack to contend with, the pressure will be on Pakistan’s batters to deliver in the second innings.