Pakistan's morale gets a significant lift ahead of Champions Trophy opener against New Zealand as vital fast bowler returns from injury

Pakistan's team has been given a major uplift as they head into their ICC Men's Champions Trophy match against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Star pacer Haris Rauf has successfully recuperated from his injury and will be ready to play in the opening game of the tournament. According to reports from news agency PTI, Rauf had suffered a muscular strain in his lower chest wall during the tri-series tournament between Pakistan, New Zealand, and another team.

The speedster has recovered and will be available for selection for Wednesday's fixture against the BlackCaps.

Pakistan are in Group A of the Champions Trophy alongside India, New Zealand and Bangladesh.

“Haris is okay now and the rest given to him after the first match of the Tri-Series has helped him recover well,” news agency PTI quoted a source as saying.

It needs to be mentioned that Haris Rauf remained with the squad despite not being available for the Tri-Series fixture against South Africa and the final against New Zealand. Uncapped speedster Akif Javed was also called upon as a backup for him.

How has Haris Rauf performed in ODIs?

Haris Rauf has taken a total of 83 wickets in 46 ODIs. He also has 110 wickets to his name in 79 T20 internationals.

Earlier, Mohammad Amir expressed his concern regarding Haris Rauf's fitness, saying that if the speedster suffered a side strain, he could be out of action for as long as six weeks.

“If Haris Rauf has a side strain, he cannot recover fully before six weeks. If it’s just stiffness, then that’s different,” said Amir. “If it is a grade one or two side strain, no matter what, it will take six weeks, and then the rehab starts,” said Amir, as per GeoSuper.tv.

“I got this injury during PSL a couple of years ago. If it is a side strain of grade one or two, then I don’t think he can play the Champions Trophy. I think it will be foolish to risk his career for three matches of a tournament because he won’t be able to give his 100 per cent,” he added.

Pakistan will take on India on February 23 in Dubai. The hosts will then play their final group-stage match against Bangladesh on Thursday, February 27.

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