DUBAI: With Pakistan in a do-or-die situation after losing to New Zealand in the Champions Trophy opener, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has made it clear that defeating India is the only way forward if they want to defend their title.
“If we want to move forward in the tournament, we must defeat India. This is a do-and-die match for us”, the right-arm pacer said while speaking to journalists at the team hotel before their first practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Rauf also emphasised the importance of learning from past mistakes, saying: “The New Zealand match is history. We must not repeat the errors that cost us. Our focus is on winning this match and securing a spot in the semi-finals.”
The stage is set for the biggest clash of the ICC Champions Trophy as arch-rivals Pakistan and India face off in a high-stakes battle on February 23.
He stressed that Pakistan would adapt to Dubai’s conditions to maximise their chances. “We have beaten India here before, and we’ll try to do it again. Every player is determined to give their best performance.”
While the absence of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub has affected team balance, Rauf remains optimistic and said: “Yes, it’s a setback, but we have strong replacements who can step up.”
When asked about the skyrocketing demand for match passes, he laughingly said, “I don’t even know what ticket or passes are! My focus is only on cricket.”
Pakistan had an unwanted start to their Champions Trophy 2025 campaign as they suffered a crushing 60-run defeat in the curtain-raiser against New Zealand at the National Bank Stadium in Karachi.
Batting first, New Zealand piled up a massive total of 320 for 5, courtesy of anchoring centuries by opener Will Young and wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham.
In-form Glenn Phillips gave the final touches to New Zealand’s innings with a quickfire half-century. He scored 61 from 39 deliveries, smashing three fours and four sixes in the process.
In response, Pakistan’s batting unit unfolded on a meagre 260 in 47.2 overs despite half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.
Meanwhile, the Men in Blue made a winning start against Bangladesh, comfortably chasing down a 229-run target, thanks to Shubman Gill’s exceptional 101-run knock.
