Pakistani fast bowler Haris Rauf has brushed aside criticism over being hit for sixes, saying that it happens to every bowler and does not affect his approach to the game.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Rauf said he will continue working on his game without worrying about criticism.

“Not just me, every bowler in the world gets hit for sixes. Every bowler gets hit, and I have never feared criticism, nor will I ever fear it, because it doesn’t affect me. I will keep working on my game, and we will keep playing cricket, God willing,” he said.

Rauf also outlined his role alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi and Naseem Shah, stressing that the trio must focus on taking wickets and helping Pakistan win matches.

“My role, along with Naseem and Shaheen, is to take wickets for the team. This is a team game, and everyone is supporting one another,” he stated.

The right-arm pacer also highlighted the importance of having Shaheen in the bowling attack.

“Having Shaheen in the team is always beneficial,” he added.

Discussing Pakistan’s performance in the ongoing ODI tri-series, Rauf said defending a total of 300 runs was encouraging but acknowledged that modern cricket demands higher scores as teams continue to score heavily.

“Defending 300 runs is a good sign. Our effort is to ensure that the bowling unit continues to perform well. When teams are scoring more than 300 or 400 runs, we also have to think about posting totals of 350 and defending them,” he observed.

Rauf also stressed the importance of taking wickets during the middle overs, pointing out that bowlers face increasing challenges as scoring rates rise.

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

The fast bowler described pace as a key advantage in modern cricket and said he continued to work on his fitness and speed to improve his performances.

“A fast bowler is an X-factor in today’s cricket. I continue to work on my fitness and pace so that I can give people fewer reasons to talk,” he said.

Looking ahead to Pakistan’s remaining matches in the tri-series, Rauf backed Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman to score runs and expressed hope that the team would maintain its winning momentum.

Pakistan began the tri-series with victories over Sri Lanka and England, completing the first half of the competition with two wins.

After a two-day break, the tournament will resume in Lahore, where Pakistan will face England in the fourth match at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.