We have memories on this ground: Haris Rauf on the ghosts of MCG

The Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) in Australia hasn’t been kind to Pakistan in the last few years. The Men in Green have lost some close games at this iconic venue. 

Everyone remembers what Virat Kohli did to them in the group stage of the 2022 T20 World Cup. Then, in the same tournament, Pakistan lost a closely fought final against England. 

On November 4 (Monday), Pakistan suffered yet another close defeat at the MCG, this time in the 50-over format. After getting bowled out for 203, Pakistan managed to reduce Australia to 155/7 but skipper Pat Cummins stood tall and led his team to a two-wicket victory in the first ODI.

“We have memories on this ground that we remember. We’ve lost a couple of very close matches here against India and also in the World Cup final,” Pakistan's pacer Haris Rauf told reporters after the match.

“We’ve made mistakes in the past, but we try to stay in the present moment. The future isn’t in our control, and we are enjoying the present.

“Sometimes the result doesn’t go your way, and you have to accept that. You then try and learn from those failures.”

Rauf, who dismissed Steven Smith, Marnus Labuschagne and Glenn Maxwell, conceded 67 runs in his nine overs. Mohammad Hasnain too leaked runs at an economy of more than seven, but it was those 21 extras that came back to haunt Pakistan.

“We did give away extras, but when you attack, you have to accept that these things happen,” he said.

“We did make mistakes, and we were a bit untidy. We know these small things can make a big impact. If you’re a good bowling unit, you can make up for the batters falling 20-30 runs short if you’re tight in the field as well.

“We could have defended this, and we all tried really hard. The game didn’t go our way, but we gave our all in terms of energy and effort.”

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