Pak vs NZ: Haris Rauf walks out of ground after suffering rib injury

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, while bowling against New Zealand in the first match of the tri-series in Lahore, left the ground due to rib pain.

In his seventh over during bowling, Haris Rauf suffered a rib injury, on which he left the over incomplete and went out of the ground. After Haris left, Salman Agha completed his over.

In this regard, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said that Haris Rauf is facing low grade 1 strain and he is also suffering from stomach muscles. Haris Rauf has been treated immediately.

The PCB said that the discomfort will be reviewed again to return to the ground.

Haris Rauf is also in the Champions Trophy squad.

Glenn Phillips’ fiery 106* off 74 balls guided New Zealand to a strong total of 330/6 in their tri-series opener against Pakistan on Saturday. Phillips’ knock, which included seven sixes and six fours, helped New Zealand recover from an early slump after solid fifties from Kane Williamson (58) and Daryl Mitchell (81).

New Zealand won the toss and chose to bat first in the inaugural match of the series, preparing for the upcoming Champions Trophy 2025.

The start was rocky for the Kiwis as Shaheen Afridi dismissed Will Young on the very first ball of the match. Rachin Ravindra was soon caught and bowled by Abrar Ahmed, leaving New Zealand at 39/2 in the 8th over.

Williamson and Mitchell then joined forces for a 95-run partnership, guiding New Zealand to 134/3 by the 26th over. Shaheen Afridi dismissed Williamson for 58, while Haris Rauf claimed Tom Latham’s wicket for a duck.

Phillips took charge after Mitchell’s dismissal, adding 65 runs with Michael Bracewell (31), before unleashing a brutal late assault on the Pakistan bowlers. Phillips remained unbeaten on 106, leading New Zealand to a competitive total of 330.

Meanwhile, Pakistan made an important change in their batting lineup, with Babar Azam set to open the innings alongside Fakhar Zaman due to the absence of regular opener Saim Ayub for this series and the Champions Trophy 2025.