Legendary pacer Wasim Akram has slammed Haris Rauf for his abysmal bowling display in the Asia Cup 2025 final against India in Dubai on Sunday (September 28).
Despite being reduced to 20/3 in the chase of 147, the Men in Blue defeated Pakistan by five wickets to clinch the continental crown for the record-extending ninth time.
India’s middle-order batters were particularly were severe on Rauf, who conceded 50 runs in just 3.4 overs.
Speaking on Sony Sports after the match, Akram highlighted Rauf's constant struggles against the Indian team.
"He's unfortunately a run machine as a bowler, and especially against India. I'm not criticizing him. The whole country's criticizing him, and he doesn't play red-ball cricket. He's not going to improve. If he's not going to play, you don't want a player in your team who refuses to play red-ball cricket. At least play four or five first-class games," Akram said.
According to Akram, the right-arm quick’s lack of red-ball cricket experience has affected his ability to perform under pressure.
"The control is not there because he doesn't play red-ball cricket. PCB has to sit down and think, if you're not playing red-ball cricket, thank you very much," he remarked.
Wasim Akram also discussed Rauf's technical issues with former Pakistan captain Waqar Younis.
"You want to improve your length, and his run-up-he's not the smoothest. I was talking to Waqar (Younis), and I asked, how come he hasn't fixed the run-up in the last four or five years since he's been playing? He said he doesn't play red-ball cricket," Akram stated.
Coming to the Asia Cup final, Tilak Varma and Sanju Samson starred with the bat after India’s top three fell cheaply. The middle-order pair steadied the ship by adding 57 runs for the fourth wicket.
Samson was dismissed for 24, but Tilak (69* off 53) stayed till the end to take his team over the line with two deliveries to spare. Shivam Dube (33 off 22) also produced a stunning cameo to put India on the brink of victory, while Rinku Singh (4*) hit the winning boundary.
