Haris Rauf points out Pakistan’s untidiness behind Australia defeat

Chasing 204 runs, Australia were reduced to 155/7 at one stage in the first ODI at Melbourne Cricket Ground. Pakistan could smell a victory but captain Pat Cummins played a vital knock of unbeaten 32 runs off 31 deliveries, to help the hosts win by two wickets and take a lead in the three-match series. 

It was a low-scoring affair and Pakistan pacers kept picking wickets at regular intervals to keep the Mohammad Rizwan-led side in the hunt. However, he also bowled 17 wide deliveries which didn’t help the team, resulting in a defeat. Reflecting on the same, pacer Haris Rauf, who picked up a three-wicket haul in the game, stated that the bowling unit was slightly untidy and despite their best attempt, Australia managed to get the job done.

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“We did give away extras but when you attack, you have to accept that these things happen. We did make mistakes, and we were a bit untidy. We know these little things make an impact. If you're a good bowling unit, then you can cover the batters falling 20-30 runs short if you tighten up in the field as well. We could have defended this and we all tried really hard. The game didn't go our way, but we gave no quarter in terms of our energy and our effort,” said Rauf in the press conference.

Happy with the fight we put up: Rizwan

Newly-appointed Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan was happy with the fight his players put up in Melbourne. He acknowledged that the bowlers of either team had done a commendable job and stated that despite scoring only 203 runs in the first innings, they were always up for a challenge.

“We decided whatever the situation we will fight and show courage. It was good, this kind of match you can't say anything. It's difficult to read anything into this game, the result is in God's hands, but I'm happy with the fight we put up. I was keeping myself busy with field changes. Will give credit to both teams' bowlers,” Rizwan said.