NEW DELHI: Former Pakistan captain Salman Butt did not hold back his criticism of Haris Rauf following the fast bowler's performance in Pakistan's T20 World Cup match against the USA in Dallas, Texas.
Rauf, who was entrusted with bowling the final over with the USA needing 15 runs to win, faltered under pressure, leading to a dramatic finish.
Butt expressed his frustration with Rauf on the 'Cricket Baithak' podcast, emphasizing the fast bowler's apparent lack of awareness and failure to bowl to the field.
"It is not a surprise that he conceded so many runs because he is that kid who doesn't look at his field at all. Mid-off is inside the circle, and yet he bowls full and gets hit for a boundary on the last ball. You can see the captain also screamed at him. When you have mid-off up, then you don't bowl full balls. This is a basic of cricket," Butt said.
Rauf was the most expensive among Pakistan bowlers who bowled more than an over, leaking 37 runs in his four-over spell. His erratic bowling drew criticism from Butt, who questioned Rauf's professionalism and ability to learn from his mistakes.
"He (Haris Rauf) has some weird style when he bowls a ball and just sits on his knees with his hand on his head. It is as if he incurred a loss in shares or someone robbed him. I don't know what he tries to portray but that is so unprofessional. You never learn anything. They lacked common sense and game awareness," Butt continued.
Pakistan's next challenge will be a high-stakes clash against India on Sunday in New York.
1/8:T20 WC: USA beat Pakistan in Super Over thriller
<p>T20 WC: USA beat Pakistan in Super Over thriller</p>AP
2/8:Historic Upset
<p>Newcomers USA stunned former champions Pakistan via Super Over, causing the first big upset of the ongoing T20 World Cup.</p>AP
3/8:Competitive Batting
<p>Pakistan scored 159/7 in 20 overs; USA matched the total with 159/3 in a fine display.</p>AP
4/8:Super Over Drama
<p>In the Super Over, USA smashed 18 runs, losing one wicket, while Pakistan managed only 13 for one.</p>PTI
5/8:Déjà Vu
<p>The result of this match echoed Pakistan's 2007 ODI World Cup loss to Ireland, another memorable upset.</p>PTI
6/8:Monank Patel
<p>Skipper Monank Patel shines with a fluent 50 off 38 balls, Andries Gous adds 35 in 26 balls, Aaron Jones remains unbeaten on 36.</p>PTI
7/8:Babar Azam
<p>Despite starting off slow, Pakistan captain Babar Azam became top-scorer for his team with 44 runs. He was supported by Shadab Khan's 40. </p>AFP
