‘Come back stronger’ - Haris Rauf shares heartwarming moment with Netherland's Bas de Leede after latter suffers concussion

Pakistan defeated the Netherlands comprehensively in their must win encounter in the Super 12 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup 2022 by six wickets in Perth. However, during the Dutch batting innings, all-rounder Bas de Leede dealt with a severe blow as Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf hurled in a bouncer that hit the batter below his eye.

The Netherlands opted to bat first to get the big runs on the board, however, the bouncy track at Perth assisted the Pakistani pacers who took the conditions to their advantage. The Dutch side crumbled under presser as they kept losing wickets in regular intervals with Shadab khan and Mohammad Wasim Jr. picking five wickets between them coupled with economical spells by the rest of the bowling line-up. This led to Babar Azam’s side restricting the batting side to a below par total of 91 in their 20 overs.

Bas de Leede dealt with blow to his face

During the first innings, during the sixth over of the contest, Bas de Leede who was on strike dealt with a nasty blow to his face owing to a bouncer bowled by Haris Rauf at the other end. The batter eventually had to retire out after getting hit on the helmet. However, towards the conclusion phase of the match, Rauf walked up to the batter and hugged him.

In a video shared by the ICC, the pace spearhead can be heard saying to the player to come back ‘stronger’.

“Speedy recovery, you’ll come back stronger. And hit ‘em sixes (laughs). Go well, go well!” said Rauf as he met the injured batter.

In response to the low total set by the Dutch side, Pakistan chased it down in just 13.5 overs helping them with the net run rate. However, the side are just fixtures away from exiting the tournament considering India’s loss to South Africa on Sunday, as the Men in Green were dependent on the former’s win for their semi-final chances.