WATCH: Star Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf comes out to bat without pads and other protections, leaves everyone in shock

In the 12th match of the Big Bash League (BBL), the Melbourne Stars clashed with the Sydney Thunder, both seeking their first win of the season. The Stars, led by Glenn Maxwell, set a formidable total of 172 despite a last-over hiccup where they lost four wickets. However, amidst the bat-and-ball battle, a peculiar moment involving Melbourne Stars’ speedster Haris Rauf stole the spotlight.

Haris Rauf, known for his pace on the field, surprisingly walked into bat during the first inning without his pads. The moment occurred after the dismissal of Mark Steketee in the final over of the game. Rauf, lacking both a helmet and gloves, hurried onto the field, donning the protective gear only upon reaching the pitch. The BBL organisers shared a video of this unique incident on their social media accounts.

The BBL account humorously remarked, “No gloves, pads, or helmets on. Haris Rauf was caught by surprise at the end of the Stars  innings.”This unusual scenario unfolded as Rauf came to bat following the fall of three quick wickets in the final over of the first innings.

Here is the video:

Typically, players coming in towards the end of a playing XI, as Rauf did, are taken by surprise when unexpectedly called upon to bat, especially when the team was 170/6 at the beginning of the 20th over.

Can the Sydney Thunder win their first game?

Both the Melbourne Stars and Sydney Thunder were in search of their first win in the ongoing BBL season, having played two games each. The Stars found themselves at the bottom of the eight-team points table, while the Thunder held the sixth position.

Opting to bat first after winning the toss, the Stars faced an early setback with the loss of opener Sam Harper. However, number three batsman Beau Webster stabilized the innings, contributing a noteworthy 59 runs from 44 balls before being caught and bowled in the final over.