Haris Rauf says Pakistan must target 350 as ODI scores surge

Rauf says 350 is the new target

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf believes his side must aim higher with the bat as scoring rates continue to rise in modern one-day cricket. After Pakistan opened the ongoing ODI tri-series with victories over Sri Lanka and England, Rauf said defending 300 was encouraging—but may not always be enough.

“When teams are scoring more than 300 or 400 runs, we also have to think about posting totals of 350 and defending them,” Rauf told reporters in Lahore.

Wickets remain central to Pakistan's bowling plan

Rauf described his role alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah as taking key wickets, underlining the importance of the bowling unit working together. He said having Shaheen in the side gives Pakistan an advantage and that dismissals in the middle overs are essential to disrupt partnerships and limit opposition scoring.

“You have to take wickets in the middle overs. Wherever you play in the world, runs are scored because cricket has changed,” he said.

Rauf also called fast bowling an “X-factor” in the modern game and said he is working to improve his fitness and pace, while focusing on his performances rather than criticism. He backed batters Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to make important contributions in the remaining matches.

Pakistan return against England

Pakistan are scheduled to meet England again in the fourth match of the tri-series at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, following a two-day break. Rauf said the team would look to maintain its winning start with contributions from both its batting and bowling units.