Haris Rauf has issued a strong statement despite Lahore Qalandars’ dominant victory in the PSL 11 opener, warning that he expects even higher standards from himself after narrowly missing key moments during the match.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Haris Rauf said: “I tried to give my best in the opening match, especially in situations where the stumps didn’t fall. I even went up to check if they were somehow stuck, but it was just sheer luck that they stayed intact. Next time, I’ll make sure the stumps are broken.”
The Qalandars’ pacer emphasised that the team’s success stemmed from sticking to clear plans and executing them under pressure. “The main thing is execution. We had plans, and we tried to follow them properly.” He highlighted how maintaining discipline with the ball allowed the Qalandars to build sustained pressure, particularly during crucial middle overs where the match tilted decisively in their favour.
The right-arm pacer pointed out that early wickets played a crucial role in setting the tone for the match. “Taking wickets early gives you momentum, and then you can control the game.” He credited the collective effort of the bowling attack, which included Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mustafizur Rahman and others, for dismantling the Kingsmen batting lineup. “Everyone knows their role. When we bowl as a unit, it becomes easier to build pressure.”
Despite the comprehensive victory, Rauf made it clear that the team is far from complacent and is already looking to improve. “There’s always room for improvement. We’ll go back, assess, and come back stronger. Our ultimate aim is to deliver our best and play our part in bringing the trophy home again.”
