India fixture is a do-or-die game. Haris Rauf

Pakistan Draws Confidence from Past Dubai Wins Ahead of Crucial India Clash in Champions Trophy 2025

Pakistan is gearing up for a must-win match against India in the Champions Trophy 2025, with their backs against the wall after a heavy loss to New Zealand. The high-stakes encounter will take place on February 23 at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS). As they prepare to face an in-form India, Pakistan is drawing inspiration from their recent victories over their arch-rivals at the same venue.

Key Highlights Ahead of the Pakistan vs. India Match:

• Past Success in Dubai:
  Pakistan pacer Harris Rauf expressed confidence in their ability to repeat their previous triumphs against India in Dubai.
  • “We have beaten India twice here in Dubai. We will aim to make it three and repeat those performances. We are confident, and it will be a great match,” Rauf said.
  • In the recent past, Pakistan secured victories in Dubai, including a 10-wicket win in the 2021 T20 World Cup and a five-wicket win in the 2022 Asia Cup Super Four.
• Do-or-Die Situation for Pakistan:
  Pakistan’s upcoming match against India is a crucial one, as they need a win to stay alive in the tournament. Rauf emphasized the significance of the game:
  • “What’s past is past. We are now focusing on the India game. We will address the mistakes we made in the previous game and try not to repeat them. For us, it’s an important fixture; a do-or-die game,” Rauf stated.
  • The outcome of this match will determine Pakistan’s chances of qualifying for the semifinals.
• Positive Team Morale:
  Despite their heavy loss to New Zealand in the previous match, Rauf reassured that the team morale is high and they are ready for the challenge.
  • “The morale is not down; all the boys will try hard and give their best. It is an important fixture, and we will aim to perform well in all departments—batting, bowling, and fielding,” he added.
  • Rauf stressed that the team is relaxed and will treat the match as just another opportunity to perform.
• Rauf’s Fitness and Readiness:
  Rauf clarified that he is fully fit and prepared for the India clash, despite being criticized for his performance in the previous match against New Zealand.
  • “As for my fitness, what can I say? You must have seen the previous game—I bowled all 10 overs,” he said.
  • He also pointed out that the performance of pacers depends on the conditions and pitch, and the team will plan accordingly.
• Injury Setbacks for Pakistan:
  Pakistan suffered two major injury blows leading up to the match against India:
  • Fakhar Zaman sustained an injury while fielding, and Saim Ayub was ruled out of the tournament before its start.
  • Rauf dismissed any claims that the coaching staff or fielding tactics were to blame for these injuries, stating that injuries can happen at any time.
  • “Some things are beyond our control. We should not focus on those things or blame the coaching methods. This is baseless,” Rauf explained.

Focus on the Upcoming Game

As the team heads into the critical match against India, Pakistan’s players are focused on practicing well and preparing to give their best performance. Rauf expressed confidence in the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and deliver a strong showing.

• “We hope everyone will get to see a great game,” he concluded.

The Pakistan vs. India clash at the 2025 Champions Trophy is expected to be a thrilling contest, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory. Pakistan’s strong track record in Dubai and their determination to bounce back after their recent loss to New Zealand make this an eagerly anticipated match.