Haris Rauf breaks Shaheen Shah Afridi's T20I record

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Pakistan’s pace sensation Haris Rauf broke another record during the second T20I against Australia, delivering a standout four-wicket performance that saw him surpass Shaheen Afridi’s record for the best T20I bowling figures by a Pakistani at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

After Australian captain Josh Inglis elected to bat, openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Matthew Short laid a quick foundation, scoring 52 runs in the opening 3.4 overs.

However, Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan brought Haris into the attack early, a move that proved decisive. Rauf dismissed Fraser-McGurk and later claimed the crucial wickets of Inglis, Tim David, and Xavier Bartlett, halting Australia’s momentum.

Rauf’s sensational spell helped Pakistan claw back into the game as he became the first Pakistani to take four wickets in a T20I at the SCG. This performance saw him overtake Shaheen Afridi’s previous record, showcasing his growth as one of Pakistan’s leading bowlers.

Last week Haris Rauf came agonizingly close to matching a historic record held by cricket legend Waqar Younis.

Rauf finished the series with 10 wickets, just one shy of equaling Younis’ iconic achievement of 11 wickets in a series, which he set back in 1990 during Pakistan’s clash with New Zealand.

The match, held in Perth, saw Pakistan dominate Australia with an exceptional bowling display.

The hosts were sent packing for a mere 140 runs in just 31.5 overs. Rauf played a pivotal role in Pakistan's triumph, taking 2 wickets for 24 runs in his 7 overs, but ultimately fell short of matching Younis’ long-standing record.

Despite not equaling the record, Rauf’s performance secured his place in the history books, earning him second place for the most wickets taken in a single ODI series for Pakistan.

He joins the ranks of notable Pakistani bowlers who have claimed 10 wickets in an ODI series, including Saeed Ajmal (2012 against Australia), Naseem Shah (2022 against Netherlands), and Umar Gul (2009 against Sri Lanka).

The second ODI saw a stellar performance from Pakistan's bowling attack. Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed three wickets each, while Rauf contributed with his two-wicket haul and Mohammad Hasnain chipped in with one.

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