Pakistan's star pacer Haris Rauf bowled brilliantly against Afghanistan in Sharjah. He took four wickets in the match, along with his maiden wicket for the first time in his career. With such a performance, Pakistan started the mission of the tri-nation T20 series with a 39-run victory.

Outburst of anger even after the victory

Rauf should have been happy on such a successful day. But he reacted angrily to a journalist's question at the post-match press conference. The issue was about Pakistan's fielding. The pacer got angry when he made a "bad" comment on Pakistan's fielding in the match against Afghanistan. Addressing the journalist, he said,

"I think you didn't watch the match properly. There was nothing wrong with our fielding. If you watch the match again, you will understand that we fielded well."

International match is not 'preparation'

Rauf also objected to calling the tri-nation series a preparatory series for the Asia Cup. He told reporters,

“You say it is a warm-up match, but I think no international match can be a warm-up. Every match has different pressure. The real thing is to play according to the team’s plan.”

Pakistan refuses to be an ‘underdog’

Before the tri-series, a journalist had called Afghanistan the second best team in Asia. After the match, Rauf was asked if Pakistan was an underdog in this match? Rauf replied bluntly,

“I never thought anyone was a favorite over us. We are the biggest favorite.”

Match Highlights

Pakistan, batting first in the Sharjah match, scored 182 runs for 7 wickets in 20 overs, relying on captain Salman Agar’s fifty. In reply, Afghanistan fought back but were eventually bundled out for 143 runs with 1 ball remaining. The hero of the victory was Haris Rauf, who took four wickets alone.

Next challenge for Pakistan

Pakistan, Afghanistan and the host United Arab Emirates are playing in the tri-series. The Asia Cup will begin on September 9. Although many see this series as preparation, the Pakistan camp is reluctant to accept that. Pakistan will face the host United Arab Emirates in their second match today.