Haris Rauf likely to be rested for S. Africa match

Pakistan’s fast bowler Haris Rauf is likely to be rested for match against South Africa of the ongoing tri-series.

According to sources, Rauf is feeling better than before, but the team management does not want to take any risks by playing him against South Africa. His final availability for the match will depend on the results of his MRI reports.

Notably, in the first match of the tri-series against New Zealand, Rauf had to leave the field after bowling 6.2 overs due to fitness concerns.

Haris Rauf’s fitness is crucial for Pakistan after his superb bowling performances in Australia and South Africa ODI series last December which were handsomely won by Pakistan.

Pakistan and South Africa are set to face off on February 12 in Karachi.

South Africa call up Bosch for Champions Trophy

Corbin Bosch will replace fellow fast bowler Anrich Nortje in South Africa’s squad for the Champions Trophy in Pakistan, Cricket South Africa announced on Sunday.

Bosch, who made his one-day international and Test debuts against Pakistan in December, will depart for Karachi on Sunday to join the squad for a triangular series against Pakistan and New Zealand ahead of the Champions trophy, which starts on February 19.

Nortje was named in the squad last month but was withdrawn a day later because of a back injury.

Nortje’s likely replacement, Gerald Coetzee, was on Wednesday named, then withdrawn from the tri-series squad after feeling tightness in his groin during a pre-departure net practice.

Teenage fast bowler Kwena Maphaka will join the squad for the tri-series and be a travelling reserve for the Champions Trophy.

Cricket South Africa also announced that former Pakistan all-rounder Yasir Arafat had joined the support staff as a consultant for both tournaments in Pakistan.

NZ share update on Ravindra’s injury

Ravindra’s progress will continue to be closely observed, and further updates on his availability for upcoming matches will be provided in due course

New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has provided an update on Rachin Ravindra’s condition after he suffered a head injury during the first match of the tri-nation ODI series against Pakistan in Lahore on Saturday.

The all-rounder was struck on the forehead while attempting to take a catch in the 38th over of Pakistan’s innings.

NZC confirmed that Ravindra sustained a laceration but is recovering well.

“[Rachin] Ravindra was forced from the field after being struck in the forehead by the ball attempting a catch in the 38th over,” the board said in a statement. “He sustained a laceration to the forehead which has been addressed and treated at the ground, but is otherwise well. He came through his first HIA (Head Injury Assessment) well and will continue to be monitored under HIA processes.”

New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips described the moment as frightening but was relieved that Ravindra remained conscious.

“He lost the ball in the lights, and unfortunately, the ball won that situation this time,” Phillips said. “But he’s been conscious the whole time, which is fantastic. He’s being monitored, and I’m sure he’ll be raring to go as soon as possible.”

Ravindra’s progress will continue to be closely observed, and further updates on his availability for upcoming matches will be provided in due course.