Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has said that the team is under no pressure ahead of their crucial ICC Champions Trophy 2025 clash against India, adding that the players are focused on rectifying mistakes from their previous outing.
Speaking to reporters in Dubai, Haris Rauf stressed the significance of the upcoming match, stating that Pakistan would look to avoid the errors they committed in their opening game against New Zealand.
“Our focus is entirely on the match against India. It is a do-or-die situation for us if we want to stay in the tournament,” Rauf said. “We will try our best to secure a win and qualify for the semi-finals.”
Despite the high stakes, the right-arm pacer maintained that the team remained composed. “There is no pressure on us; we are very relaxed. The entire squad is positive and determined to give their best performance in all three departments,” he added.
Rauf, who bowled his full quota of overs against New Zealand, dismissed concerns over his fitness. “I bowled 10 overs in the last match and feel completely fit,” he assured.
Reflecting on Pakistan’s past performances against India in Dubai, he expressed confidence in the team’s ability to replicate their previous successes. “We will aim to play the same kind of cricket as we did when we defeated India in the last two encounters here. The boys are confident, and we hope to deliver a good match,” he remarked.
Pakistan had a disappointing start to their Champions Trophy campaign, suffering a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in their opening fixture on February 19 at the National Bank Cricket Stadium in Karachi.
Chasing a target of 321, the national side was bowled out for 260 in 47.2 overs, falling short despite a promising start.
New Zealand, powered by centuries from Will Young and Tom Latham, posted 320 for five in their allotted 50 overs. Pakistan struggled in response, failing to build momentum against a disciplined Kiwi bowling attack.
The much-anticipated Pakistan-India encounter is scheduled for Sunday, February 23, with both teams eyeing a crucial win to strengthen their campaign in the tournament.
