Pakistan are currently busy playing in the ongoing Asia Cup 2023. In the ‘Super 4’ stage, they defeated Bangladesh and then suffered a 238-run loss against their arch-rivals India. Now, their last match against Sri Lanka has become a crucial one as they will look for a win to qualify for the final.
But, against India, they suffered major setbacks as both Haris Rauf and Naseem Shah did not bat due to their injury niggles. Now, their further participation in the tournament is in doubt as backup bowlers have been reportedly added to the squad. But, if Rauf eventually does not get fit before the upcoming ODI World Cup in India, the Men in Green have to look for some players to replace him. PCB are yet to announce the World Cup squad.
Here are the top three players who can replace Haris Rauf if he is ruled out of ODI World Cup 2023
1. Mohammad Wasim
This 22-year-old pacer has the experience of playing 15 ODIs so far for Pakistan. In those matches, Mohammad Wasim has taken 24 wickets, at an economy of 5.16 with an average of 25.66. He last played in an ODI in August 2023 against Afghanistan in Colombo.
2. Hasan Ali
This 29-year-old pacer is the most experienced option that Babar Azam has to replace Rauf. Hasan Ali has played 60 ODIs and in 58 innings, he has taken 91 wickets, at an economy of 5.75 with an average of 30.36. Hasan has four fiver-wicket hauls also to his name. He last played an ODI in June 2022 against West Indies at Multan.
3. Shahnawaz Dahani
This 25-year-old pacer is another option that Pakistan can look to replace Rauf in the squad for the upcoming ODI World Cup. However, Shahnawaz Dahani has played only two ODIs so far and taken one wicket, at an economy of 4.56 with an average of 73. But he has eight wickets in 11 T20Is. Dahani last played an ODI in August 2022 against the Netherlands at Rotterdam.