LAHORE: Even after Lahore Qalandars’ dominant win in the PSL 11 opener against Hyderabad Kingsmen, fast bowler Haris Rauf issued a strong statement, insisting that he expects more from himself and the team.
Speaking at the post-match press conference, Rauf reflected on a bizarre moment when the ball struck the stumps but the bails did not fall: “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.”
Rauf emphasized that Lahore’s success came 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 said, highlighting how disciplined bowling in the middle overs tilted the match decisively in Qalandars’ favour.
He credited the collective effort of the bowling unit, including Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mustafizur Rahman, for dismantling the Kingsmen batting lineup. “Taking wickets early gives you momentum, and then you can control the game. 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 complacency has no place in the Qalandars’ camp: “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.”
