Haris Rauf calls for middle-over breakthroughs as ODI scores soar

Dawn · 24/10/2026، 7:00:47 AM

One-day International cricket has gone through changes over the years, but one of the aspects of the game that has continued to be crucial is the importance of taking wickets in the middle overs. In the span of the last three years, which included Pakistan’s dismal 2023 World Cup campaign in India, the national side’s bowlers have struggled to strike as often as they would have liked in the middle overs. Haris Rauf, who has featured for Pakistan in most of the matches through this period, is well aware of the team’s shortcomings as they look forward to the next edition of the World Cup, set to be co-hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in 2027. Pakistan’s bowlers have averaged 4.11 dismissals between overs 11 and 40 in ODIs since the start of 2023. The figures underline the challenge facing a side that has often depended on early breakthroughs and late-innings bowling to contain opponents. Speaking to reporters at Gaddafi Stadium on Friday, ahead of Sunday’s tri-series match against England, Haris acknowledged the importance of striking in the middle overs, warning that allowing batters to settle could leave the bowling side struggling to recover. “If you do not take wickets in the middle overs, you will struggle as a team,” the fast bowler said. “If their middle-order batters or openers remain at the crease until the end, they can hurt you.” Pakistan have made a promising start to the ongoing tri-series, beating Sri Lanka by 37 runs and England by 87 in their first two matches. But the contest between England and Sri Lanka in Rawalpindi on Thursday, when the latter chased down a target of 430 after England posted 429-4, offered a reminder of how little room for error bowlers have on batting-friendly surfaces. Haris believes the modern game demands more from both departments, with teams needing to prepare for totals well beyond 300. “Nowadays, we may have to score 350-plus runs ourselves at the World Cup and chase totals of 350-plus as well,” he said. “The s