Asia Cup 2023: Haris Rauf to not bowl during India-Pakistan clash as precautionary measure

Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf will not bowl during the clash against arch-rivals India at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo as a precautionary measure following a suspected side strain on Sunday, September 10. 

While the extent of the injury is yet to be determined, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) along with the think tank decided to not force his return to the match against the Men in Blue. After feeling the pain on the stipulated match day, Haris was taken for MRI scans in the evening.

Notably,Haris bowled five overs and gave 27 runs, going wicketless before he headed for the scans. However, the PCB confirmed that Haris sustained no tear and is under observation of the medical team.

"He was subsequently taken for a precautionary MRI, which revealed no tear. He is under the observation of the team's medical panel,” The PCB statement read.

It is worth mentioning that the pacer is the joint-leading wicket-taker of the Asia Cup with nine scalps in four matches. The PCB is yet to confirm his participation for the remainder of the tournament. 

Speaking about the match, the Men in Blue posted 147 runs for the loss of two wickets on the stipulated day before rain poured down at the venue in Colombo. With this, the match was pushed to the reserve day on Monday, September 11.

Shadab Khan and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed one wicket apiece before rain interrupted play on Sunday. Pakistan will aim to draw curtains on the Indian batting innings with a modest total in order to earn a potential win against the rivals. 

Haris, on the other hand, will be gunning to recover and making it in time for the next game. The Men in Green play co-hosts Sri Lanka on Thursday, September 14, at the R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo.