In a jaw-dropping scene during the recent Big Bash League (BBL) clash between the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder, Haris Rauf found himself in an unexpected predicament.
Rauf, caught off guard by the Stars’ sudden loss of three wickets in three balls during the final over bowled by Daniel Sams, was forced to step up to the crease without pads. This unusual situation left fans and commentators bewildered as Rauf took to the field without adequate protective gear to avoid being timed out.
The flurry of events began with Beau Webster’s dismissal, caught and bowled by Daniel Sams, triggering a stunning late collapse for the Stars. Following Webster, Usama Mir departed, caught by Chris Green on the very next ball. The dramatic sequence concluded as Mark Steketee fell victim to a run-out by Cameron Bancroft, culminating in a rare team hat-trick. Rauf, caught off guard at the non-striker’s end, hurried onto the field without pads, scrambling to equip himself with a helmet and gloves while forgetting the crucial leg protection.
This surprising incident involving the Pakistan speedster came after a challenging stint during the 2023 World Cup, where Pakistan failed to secure a spot in the semifinals. Subsequently, Rauf faced criticism from Wahab Riaz, the men’s team chief selector, after withdrawing from the Test series against Australia. The 30-year-old initially made a mark with the Stars in the 2019-20 BBL season, showcasing his prowess by clinching a hat-trick and securing a notable five-wicket haul.
As for the match details, the Stars, choosing to bat first, concluded their innings at 172 in 20 overs. Beau Webster emerged as their top performer, accumulating 59 runs off 44 deliveries with two fours and two sixes. Hilton Cartwright added impetus with a brisk 22 off 11 balls before Zaman Khan dismissed him. Openers Thomas Rogers and skipper Glenn Maxwell contributed 21 and 30 runs, respectively.
Despite the Stars’ efforts, the Sydney Thunder eventually claimed victory with five wickets to spare. Cameroon Bancroft and Alex Hales provided a solid start, both surpassing the 30-run mark. Despite Beau Webster’s bowling onslaught, securing four wickets, the Thunder’s middle order ensured timely boundaries to secure the win.
