Tri-Nation Series: Injured Haris Rauf to miss South Africa fixture

LAHORE: Pakistan's team management has decided not to include injured right-arm speedster Haris Rauf in playing XI for the upcoming Tri-Nation ODI series match against South Africa.  

Rauf suffered injury during the previous play against New Zealand a day ago. The next match is scheduled to be played at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi on February 12.

Following MRI and X-ray scans, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed today Rauf sustained a muscular sprain in the lower chest wall region during Saturday's match against New Zealand.

"The injury is not serious and he is expected to be fully recovered for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which commences in Karachi on 19 February."

However, as a precautionary measure and part of his ongoing rehabilitation, he will not be available for selection against South Africa on Wednesday.

Rauf left the field midway during the 38th over of New Zealand's innings in the opening match of the series at the Gaddafi Stadium and after undergoing medical assessment, was diagnosed with a low-grade side strain.

Notably, Haris took one wicket for just 23 runs in his 6.2 overs during the match.

His absence left a void in the home side's bowling attack, which was taken to the cleaners by Glenn Phillips in the last 10 overs.

The 31-year-old also did not walk out to bat as Pakistan succumbed to a gruelling 78-run defeat in the crucial match.

Meanwhile, the national team are set to depart for Karachi today and will hold a training session at the newly renovated National Bank Stadium on the eve of the must-win game against South Africa.

Pakistan squad for Tri-Nation series, Champions Trophy 2025

Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Salman Ali Agha (vc), Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi.