NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s pace bowler Haris Rauf has regained fitness and will be ready for their ICC Champions Trophy opening fixture against New Zealand on Wednesday, as per reliable sources.
A source within the Pakistan camp informed PTI on Sunday that Haris, who had suffered a muscular strain in his lower chest during the recent tri-series, has fully recovered and is set to participate in the Champions Trophy opener in Karachi.
“Haris is okay now and the rest given to him after the first match of the Tri-Series has helped him recover well,” the source stated, noting that all other players in the Pakistan squad are fit.
Despite the selectors bringing in uncapped Akif Javed as cover, Haris, who is crucial to Pakistan’s bowling attack with his rapid pace and wicket-taking ability during middle overs, has stayed with the squad.
In his international career, Haris has accumulated 83 wickets from 46 one-day internationals and claimed 110 wickets in 79 T20 internationals, establishing himself as a white-ball cricket specialist.
Former Pakistan left-arm quick Muhammad Amir recently voiced concerns about Haris’ fitness on television. During a programme on Saturday, Amir suggested that a side strain typically requires five to six weeks for complete recovery.
Having suffered two defeats against New Zealand in the tri-series, including the final on Friday, Pakistan, as defending champions, are keen to reverse their fortunes in the Champions Trophy opener.