Pakistan pacer Haris Rauf celebrates after dismissing Daryl Mitchell throughout Champions Trophy opener in opposition to New Zealand on the Nationwide Financial institution Stadium in Karachi on February 19, 2025. — ICC
DUBAI: With Pakistan in a do-or-die state of affairs after shedding to New Zealand within the Champions Trophy opener, Pakistan speedster Haris Rauf has made it clear that defeating India is the one method ahead in the event that they need 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 stated whereas talking to journalists on the group lodge earlier than their first observe session on the ICC Academy in Dubai.
Rauf additionally emphasised the significance of studying from previous errors, 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 ready for the most important conflict of the ICC Champions Trophy as arch-rivals Pakistan and India face off in a high-stakes battle on February 23.
He careworn that Pakistan would adapt to Dubai’s circumstances to maximise their possibilities. “We have beaten India here before, and we’ll try to do it again. Every player is determined to give their best performance.”
Whereas the absence of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub has affected group stability, Rauf stays optimistic and stated: “Yes, it’s a setback, but we have strong replacements who can step up.”
When requested concerning the skyrocketing demand for match passes, he laughingly stated, “I don’t even know what ticket or passes are! My focus is only on cricket.”
Pakistan had an undesirable begin to their Champions Trophy 2025 marketing campaign as they suffered a crushing 60-run defeat within the curtain-raiser in opposition to New Zealand on the Nationwide Financial institution Stadium in Karachi.
Batting first, New Zealand piled up a large complete of 320 for five, courtesy of anchoring centuries by opener Will Younger and wicketkeeper batter Tom Latham.
In-form Glenn Phillips gave the ultimate touches to New Zealand’s innings with a quickfire half-century. He scored 61 from 39 deliveries, smashing three fours and 4 sixes within the course of.
In response, Pakistan’s batting unit unfolded on a meagre 260 in 47.2 overs regardless of half-centuries from Babar Azam and Khushdil Shah.
In the meantime, the Males in Blue made a profitable begin in opposition to Bangladesh, comfortably chasing down a 229-run goal, due to Shubman Gill’s distinctive 101-run knock.
