Pakistan faces a significant challenge as they prepare to compete against their long-standing rival India in a Group A match of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025, scheduled for Sunday at the Dubai International Stadium. Following a defeat to New Zealand in their tournament opener in Karachi, Mohammad Rizwan and his team must secure a victory to maintain their hopes of advancing to the semi-finals.

In anticipation of this high-stakes encounter, Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf reminded the Indian team of their previous victories over them, notably in the 2021 T20 World Cup held in Dubai, as well as in the 2022 Asia Cup, which also took place in the UAE.

Nevertheless, Rauf emphasized that the outcome of the match will ultimately hinge on the teams' ability to perform under pressure.

“Certainly, it will enhance our confidence. We have triumphed over India here in consecutive years. We aim to replicate the successful strategies from those matches and strive to defeat India once again. I hope it will be an exciting contest,” Rauf stated to the media.

“While our record is favorable, the match's dynamics will depend on the pitch conditions. It could potentially favor spin. We will assess the conditions and aim to utilize them effectively,” he further remarked.

Pakistan under pressure after New Zealand loss

Pakistan suffered a defeat in their ICC Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand, losing by 60 runs. Consequently, the team must secure a victory against India to maintain control over their destiny in the tournament.

Despite this setback, Haris Rauf asserts that the 2017 champions are not succumbing to excessive pressure. He emphasized that the upcoming match against India is being regarded as just another game.

"Everyone is performing well in the camp. Our focus is on delivering a strong performance. We will strive to give our best and ensure victory. There is no pressure; we are quite relaxed. Our mindset is positive, and we will approach this game like any other," stated Haris Rauf.

For those unfamiliar, Pakistan conducted their first training session in Dubai on Friday evening, having arrived in the city the previous day.

Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, with Imam-ul-Haq stepping in as his replacement.

"The match against New Zealand is behind us. Our attention is now on the game against India. We aim to avoid repeating the mistakes made in that match. This is a crucial game for us, and we are determined to win it to secure our place in the semi-finals," Rauf added.

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