Key Takeaways
- New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham ranks Haris Rauf as the toughest bowler he has ever faced.
- Rauf is placed ahead of legendary bowlers like Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, and Ravindra Jadeja.
- Neesham highlights Rauf’s pace and variations, especially during T20 matches, as the reason for his difficulty.
New Zealand all-rounder Jimmy Neesham has named Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf as the toughest bowler he has ever faced during his international career. This ranking comes as a surprise, as Neesham placed Rauf ahead of several renowned bowlers, including Dale Steyn, Mitchell Johnson, Sunil Narine, and Ravindra Jadeja.
In his assessment, Neesham ranked South African fast bowler Dale Steyn fifth, praising his pace, aggression, and ability to move the ball. Former Australian fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was placed fourth, while West Indies spinner Sunil Narine took third spot. India’s Ravindra Jadeja was ranked second, with Neesham explaining that facing the left-arm spinner on turning pitches in India was particularly challenging for him as a left-handed batter.
However, Neesham reserved the top position for Rauf, emphasizing the Pakistan fast bowler’s pace and variations, particularly during the closing stages of T20 matches. ‘When he’s bowling quick and you’re facing him at the back end of a T20, and he’s obviously got a slower ball that comes out of nowhere, and you’ve got to try to generate a strike rate, [it’s] incredibly difficult,’ Neesham said.
The record against Neesham also supports Neesham’s assessment. Rauf has dismissed him six times in international cricket, including five times in T20Is and once in ODIs. Neesham has scored 59 runs from 44 balls against Rauf, highlighting the challenge he has faced against the right-arm quick over the years.
This ranking underscores the quality of Haris Rauf’s bowling and his ability to unsettle even the most experienced batters. Neesham’s comments reflect the respect and difficulty that Rauf’s bowling poses to international cricket.
Rauf’s performance has been a significant factor in Pakistan’s recent successes, particularly in T20 matches. His ability to deceive batters with his pace and variations has made him a formidable opponent for teams around the world.
The ranking by Neesham is a testament to Rauf’s skill and consistency. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in T20 matches, has made him a key player in Pakistan’s cricket team.
This recognition from a top international cricketer not only boosts Rauf’s confidence but also highlights the importance of his contribution to Pakistan’s cricketing efforts.
When he’s bowling quick and you’re facing him at the back end of a T20, and he’s obviously got a slower ball that comes out of nowhere, and you’ve got to try to generate a strike rate, [it’s] incredibly difficult.
Jimmy Neesham, New Zealand all-rounder
