Melbourne Stars' player Haris Rauf gave cricketing world a hilarious moment on Friday, December 23, during a Big Bash League match between Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder at the Lavington Sports Oval in Albury. The Pakistani fast-bowler came out to bat in the penultimate over after Mark Steketee was runout off Cameron Bancroft and Daniel Sams. However, it wasn't any normal appearance as he didn't have his pads and gloves on and came on rushing at the non-striker's end with gloves and bat in his hand.
Haris Rauf didn't do much as he ended up unbeaten without facing a ball as Melbourne Stars were bundled out for 172. Beau Webster was the star batter for the Stars as the Glenn Maxwell-led side managed to scrap past 170. In return, the Sydney Thunder made a thunderous start to their proceedings as Australian batter Cameron Bancroft and England international Alex Hales for them off to a flying start and formed a 78-run partnership within 7 overs. However, a mini-comeback from Melbourne Stars couldn't keep the ship of Sydney Thunder at bay as the Chris Green-side sailed their way past the Melbourne Stars with a 5-wicket victory after quick cameos from Alex Ross (17 0ff 9), Daniel Sams (22* off 13), and Nathan McAndrew (13* off 5).
Haris Rauf has had an infamous 2023 as his antics and performances have taken a big halt. He was on the receiving end of the bashing and thrashing by batters during the ODI World Cup 2023 where him and Pakistan, both had a dismal campaign and more salt was rubbed on wounds when neighbours and fierce rivals Afghanistan ousted them with ease to register their first ever ODI victory against the 1992 World Champions.