Haris Rauf became the latest Pakistani bowler to reach the milestone of 200 international wickets, achieving the feat during the third T20I against New Zealand in Hamilton. The fast bowler delivered an impressive performance, finishing with figures of 3-29 in four overs. His victims included Tim Seifert, Michael Bracewell, and Ish Sodhi.
Bracewell’s dismissal in the 19th over marked Rauf’s 200th wicket, a significant milestone in his career. He had earlier removed Seifert and later claimed Sodhi’s wicket in the same over, playing a crucial role in restricting New Zealand to 204 runs in 19.5 overs.
With this accomplishment, Rauf joins an elite group of Pakistani bowlers, becoming the 24th player to reach 200 international wickets. He now stands alongside legendary names such as Wasim Akram (916 wickets), Waqar Younis (789), Imran Khan (544), and Shahid Afridi (538). Among contemporary fast bowlers, Rauf is in the company of Shaheen Shah Afridi (345) and Hasan Ali (240).
Since his international debut in 2020, Rauf has been a vital part of Pakistan’s pace attack, especially in white-ball cricket. His current tally stands at 201 wickets across formats, boasting an impressive strike rate of 20.59.
In addition to his bowling, Rauf also took a spectacular catch earlier in the innings, contributing to Pakistan’s strong fielding effort. His performance, combined with Hasan Nawaz’s match-winning heroics, helped Pakistan secure a much-needed victory to stay competitive in the series.
Other notable contributions came from Shaheen Shah Afridi and Abrar Ahmed, who each picked up two wickets, further strengthening Pakistan’s bowling attack.
