Big Bash: Shoaib Akhtar inspires Melbourne Stars' new Pakistan pace sensation Haris Rauf

Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf, who made his first-class debut in 2017, has left Melbourne Stars facing an almighty selection dilemma. Rauf, who was brought in as a replacement for injured South African pacer Dale Steyn, cemented himself as Big Bash League's newest hero with a fiery 4-over spell. He ended up with figures of 5/27, becoming Big Bash's leading wicket-taker so far.

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Big Bash unearths 'New Rawalpindi Express'

Haris Rauf spearheaded Stars' 52-run demolition of Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday. His stunning performance comes just two days after he took 2-20 on debut in ir win over Brisbane Heat. Because of his heroics and ability to bowl at 150 km/hour on a consistent basis, fans have compared him to former Pakistani pacer Shoaib Akhtar by calling him 'New Rawalpindi Express'. It is interesting to see if Stars retain Rauf for ir upcoming games as y are likely to have injured pace duo of Dale Steyn and Nathan Coulter-Nile available for selection ahead of ir next match on Friday against Adelaide Strikers.

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 26-year-old hadn't played professional cricket until a couple of years ago when he was plucked by Pakistan Super League team Lahore Qalandars. Ironically, Rauf went to Hobart to train with Hurricanes as part of a deal that club has with Qalandars. He featured in Tasmanian Premier Cricket with Glerchy and would have remained on standby for Hurricanes before Stars roped him in last week. right-arm pacer also had a spell with Sydney grade club Western Suburbs last year. In post-match conference, Rauf said that he was hoping to represent Pakistan in international cricket someday through teammate Sandeep Lamichhane as  Nepal leg-spinner acted as his translator.

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Haris Rauf's sweet gesture to an Indian fan

Rauf celebrated each of his five wickets against Hobart and finished day on a touching te by signing match ball and gifting it to a security guard. On his sweet gesture, pacer told cricket.com.au that he presented  ball to guard, who is originally from India. When Rauf arrived at ground, he reportedly told guard that he was from Pakistan. It made guard so emotional that he was left in tears and hugged him subsequently for sweet gesture. 

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