Haris Rauf Calls For Improved Middle-Over Bowling In ODIs

News Desk

LAHORE: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has highlighted the critical necessity of picking up wickets during the middle overs, identifying it as a primary area for tactical improvement if the national team aims to regain its competitive edge in One-Day International (ODI) cricket.

Speaking to reporters at the Gaddafi Stadium ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming tri-series encounter against England, Rauf acknowledged the team’s persistent bowling struggles between overs 11 and 40.

Official statistics reveal that Pakistan’s bowlers have averaged just 4.11 dismissals in the middle-over phase since the start of 2023, a period that featured a disappointing group-stage exit at the 2023 World Cup in India.

Rauf warned that allowing opposition batters to settle without disruption leaves the bowling unit vulnerable as global ODI scoring rates continue to soar.

The national team has historically relied on early breakthroughs with the new ball and disciplined death bowling to restrict opposition totals.

However, modern 50-over dynamics require relentless pressure throughout the innings.

Rectifying this strategic flaw is considered paramount as Pakistan restructures its white-ball setup ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.

The coaching staff and team management are expected to test key bowling combinations and tactical adjustments during the ongoing tri-series to break middle-over partnerships more effectively.

Pakistan will square off against England on Sunday, where the team’s newly refined middle-over strategy will undergo a crucial test against a potent English batting order.