Pakistan’s opening victories over Sri Lanka and England saw them defend 300 runs, a solid start but not enough for the modern game. Rauf says the next step is to chase or bowl 350+ to stay alive in the ODI tri‑series.
Rauf’s words echo the team's need for aggression: "We can defend 300, but we need to post 350 and defend that," he told reporters in Lahore. He added that wickets in the middle overs are the lever to stop big partnerships, a tactic Pakistan will rely on against England.
Fast‑bowling star Rauf also focused on his own fitness, saying he is sharpening his pace to keep opponents guessing. He praised the team’s other pacers and backed the batters, Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman, to hit the big ones when the runs come.
With a two‑day break after the win over England, Pakistan heads back to the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday. A win here will cement their winning streak and keep them in the hunt for the tri‑series title, while a loss could spark a rethink of the 350‑run strategy.