SYDNEY: Pakistan’s young pace sensation Haris Rauf continued his impressive run in the Big Bash League T20 tournament on Thursday as his team Melbourne Stars upstaged Sydney Thunder by three wickets in an exciting finish here at the Sydney Showground Stadium.

The 26-year-old Haris returned impressive figures of 3-24 off his fours overs as Melbourne Stars restricted Sydney Thunder to 142-7 off the stipulated 20 overs. The Stars then reached the target in 19.4 overs for the loss of seven wickets owing to a 123-run stand for the second wicket between Marcus Stoinis (58 off 51 balls) and Nick Larkin (65 off 45).

The Pakistani paceman was regularly bowling deliveries above 145kph and was causing real trouble for the Thunder batsmen.

With this performance, right-armer Haris in his third match became the second highest wicket taker in the BBL so far.

Haris, who was recalled by the Stars for their clash with the Sydney Thunder, took the wickets of Callum Ferguson, Alex Ross and Daniel Sams.

Thursday’s show by Haris follows his remarkable 5-27 against the Hobart Hurricanes in Moe last week.

He made his Twenty20 debut for Lahore Qalandars in the 2018 Abu Dhabi T20 Trophy in October 2018. In November of the same year, he was selected by the Qalandars in the players’ draft for the 2019 Pakistan Super League.

Published in Dawn, January 3rd, 2020