Dubai conditions not easy for batting, says Haris Rauf ahead of India rematch

TimesofIndia.com in Dubai: Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf admitted that batting in Dubai has been challenging as several players are struggling to adjust in the ongoing Asia Cup.

Speaking after Pakistan’s 41-run win over the UAE, Rauf said the team is working on strategies to help the top three batters play deeper into the innings to ensure competitive totals.

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“Batting is struggling a bit, no doubt. The conditions are tough, and a lot of players are talking about how to tackle it. Our focus is on getting the top three batters to stay till the end in upcoming matches, because once you get a good total here, it’s not easy to chase,” he told reporters.

Looking ahead to the India clash, Rauf stressed the unpredictable nature of cricket. “You can’t predict which team will win. It's a sport, one team wins, one team loses. At the end, it’s about who plays better cricket. We’ll try to play good cricket, and fans will get to see a good contest,” he said.


On possible changes in the playing XI for the India tie, Rauf said: “It’s too early to say. That depends on the coaches and captain. As a player, you just have to avail the opportunity you get. Batters will talk to each other, because better communication brings clarity. That’s how you improve.”

With Pakistan set to face India again, Rauf underlined that preparation and adaptability will be key in Dubai’s testing conditions.

“As for the batsmen, I think they will sit down and talk to each other. Because the better the communication, the clearer and fairer it will be. That is how you get good things. What mistakes are they making? We have 2-3 days of practice before the match. We will try to prepare ourselves for the next match in the same condition," he said.

While acknowledging that limited match time can be tough, Rauf highlighted his own approach of staying ready.

“As a professional, every match is an opportunity. I wait for my turn, and when the team needs wickets, I try to deliver. I’ve been here for a long time, watching conditions, practicing, and preparing. Today I got the chance, and I tried to execute for my team,” he said.

With 126 wickets in 90 matches, Haris is the leading wicket-taker for Pakistan in T20Is. But in the ongoing Asia Cup, he didn’t play the first two games. The 31-year-old maintained that since spinners were doing well, he didn’t get the chance.

“For a player, it is not easy to sit out. But at the end, you see what the team needs. My job is to back the team. We won the tri-nation series with spinners. The spinners are becoming more effective. I just wait for my opportunity," he said.

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