National cricket team fast bowler Haris Rauf recently opened up about the challenges of playing cricket in New York during the ongoing T20 World Cup 2024, his comeback from injury, and the importance of minimizing errors on the field.

Pakistan secured their first win of the ICC T20 World Cup with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Canada in the 22nd match held at Nassau County International Stadium in New York on Tuesday.

This triumph came after disappointing losses to the USA and India. After being put into bat, Canada struggled to build momentum and managed a modest total of 106 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs.

In a post-match press conference, Rauf acknowledged the tough conditions for batting in New York, stating, "The conditions for batting in New York are not easy." This sentiment was echoed as he emphasized the significance of reducing mistakes, saying, "The effort is to reduce the mistakes."

Also Read: Pakistan trounce Canada to clinch first victory in ICC T20 World Cup 2024

Rauf further remarked, "We played good cricket, but mistakes are made," however, he remained optimistic about the future, underscoring his commitment to improvement. "I have given good performances in the past. I am back after injury and trying hard to perform," he added.

Rauf also highlighted the importance of winning in every tournament, reinforcing his competitive spirit. "Winning is very important in every tournament," he asserted. This focus on victory is coupled with a strong belief in luck and consistent performance. "If luck has it, we will qualify and play good cricket," he noted.

The fast bowler's return to the game is marked by self-motivation and a willingness to learn from past errors. "I believed in myself and learned from my mistakes," Rauf reflected on his approach.

"At present, the players are thinking of playing good cricket, and not the run rate," he commented.