Haris Rauf tops charts for active fast bowlers with 77 wickets since debut

Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf put up a remarkable performance in the second ODI against Australia, claiming 5 wickets for just 29 runs in 8 overs.

This sensational display has not only helped Pakistan gain a significant advantage in the match but also marked a key milestone in Rauf's ODI career.

Since making his debut on October 30, 2020, Haris Rauf, who rose to prominence through Lahore Qalandars' player development program, has become a force to be reckoned with in world cricket. With his latest five-wicket haul, Rauf has now taken 77 wickets in 39 matches, the most by any fast bowler from a full-member team during this period.

The only bowler to surpass Rauf in terms of wickets taken since his debut is Oman's Bilal Khan, with 83 wickets. However, it's worth noting that Oman is an ICC Associate Member team, and Rauf's achievement stands out in the context of full-member nations.

Rauf’s five-wicket haul also set another impressive record for Pakistan, as he now holds the record for the highest number of wickets by any Pakistani bowler in their first 39 ODIs. He surpassed the tally of 76 wickets set by legendary spinner Saqlain Mushtaq and current fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. This milestone cements Rauf’s place as one of the leading fast bowlers in contemporary cricket.

Globally, Rauf's achievements stack up well against other fast bowlers. Australia's Mitchell Starc, for example, took 79 wickets in his first 39 ODIs, while Bilal Khan from Oman leads the pack with 83 wickets in the same number of matches.

Among spinners, Nepal’s Sandeep Lamichhane leads with 93 wickets, followed by Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan with 90, and India’s Kuldeep Yadav with 77 wickets in their first 39 matches.