![Haris Rauf takes a hattrick in first-class cricket. [Source - AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1794744160099_HarisRauftakesahattrickinfirst-classcricket.jpg?type=hq)
Haris Rauf takes a hattrick in first-class cricket. [Source - AFP]
Haris Rauf made a stunning comeback to the Pakistan Quaid-e-Azam Trophy. The fast bowler marked his return to the country's premier first-class tournament with a hat-trick in his very first game of the season.
Playing in the third round, Rauf achieved the feat for Islamabad against Karachi Blues on Day 1 of the first innings at Shoaib Akhtar Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.
Haris Rauf Claims Maiden First-Class Hat-Trick to Rattle Karachi Blues
Haris Rauf claimed the first hat-trick of his first-class career, breaking the back of Karachi Blues' batting lineup on Sunday. The pacer struck in the seventh over of the day, during his first spell after lunch.
Rauf first trapped Rameez Aziz lbw to claim his first wicket of the innings. It was a massive breakthrough, with Aziz entering the game as Karachi's best batter in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2026-27, having scored 310 runs in four innings.
The Islamabad pacer was not done yet as he dismissed Umer Farooq on the very next ball. Bowling round the wicket, Rauf invited the left-hander forward into a defensive shot before trapping him lbw for a golden duck.
Rauf then completed his hat-trick by trapping Saifullah Bangash lbw. Bangash had scored an unbeaten century in his previous innings, but Karachi Blues were left reeling at 155/6 as Rauf put Islamabad firmly on top.
Karachi Blues did fight back with centuries from Omair Bin Yousuf and Raza Chandio to finish Day 1 at 334/7. However, Haris Rauf remained the standout performer with 4/83, with his hat-trick the highlight.
Haris Rauf's Red-Ball Form Continues, Knocks on Pakistan Test Return Door
Haris Rauf's hat-trick in his first game of the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy 2026/27 has once again raised questions about a possible return to Pakistan's Test side. The fast bowler has played only one Test in his career, against England in 2022.
Since then, Rauf has largely been used as a white-ball specialist. However, his recent red-ball performances suggest he could still have a role in the Pakistan Test team, especially with his growing consistency in domestic cricket.
He began the domestic season with 18 wickets at an average of 20.55 in four matches for Pakistan Television in the President's Trophy Grade-I, which concluded in October. His latest hat-trick for Islamabad further strengthens his case for Test selection.
