Haris Rauf dreaming of a place in Pakistan's T20 world cup squad

The "star" of Melbourne Stars' victory against Hobart Hurricanes in BBL 9, Haris Rauf, has expressed hope of being called up to Pakistan's squad for the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020 next year.

Rauf, 26, has taken Big Bash League (BBL) by storm after returning seven wickets in two matches for the Melbourne's green team.

Haris is known for being a part of Lahore Qalandars for whom he picked up 11 wickets in 10 matches in PSL earlier this year, but his stock has risen considerably following his superb performances in the ongoing BBL season.

Rauf was drafted as a replacement for Dale Steyn in the Stars' set-up on the eve of the tournament after the South African suffered a side strain.

Rauf went on to star on debut with 2/20 against Brisbane heat, and followed it up with a match-winning 5/27 against the Hurricanes.

"The T20 World Cup is coming up in Australia, and I'm trying to get fit for that," Rauf said through Sandeep Lamichhanne, who was acting as his translator after the victory over the Hurricanes.

"I'm hoping to represent my country, Pakistan, in bigger levels. That's my only dream, to play for my country."

Rauf is currently the top wicket-taker of the tournament. However, with Steyn regaining fitness, Rauf is in danger of losing his place in the side, although he is set to remain with the Stars squad for the duration of the tournament.

Peter Handscomb, his Stars teammate was full of praise for the pacer, "He's a good lad, he's come in and got around the boys straight away, which is great to see," Handscomb was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.