Pakistan’s Rauf Downplays Pressure Ahead of India Clash

Pakistan’s Must-Win Clash Against India in Champions Trophy.As fans eagerly await Pakistan’s must-win clash against India in the Champions Trophy, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Pakistan cricket team. Set to take place in Dubai on Sunday, this encounter is crucial for Pakistan, especially after their opening match loss to New Zealand. Star speedster Haris Rauf has emphasized that his team will approach this high-pressure game against Rohit Sharma’s India with the same mindset as any other match, focusing solely on securing a victory to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

Understanding the Stakes

Rauf has reiterated that the pressure associated with Pakistan’s must-win clash against India does not weigh heavily on the players. “There is no pressure in the match against India; all the players are relaxed and we will take it just like any other match,” he stated during a training session in Dubai.

Moving Forward From Past Defeats

The team is keen to put their opening loss behind them and focus on the critical Group A match against India. The defeat against New Zealand has already raised concerns about an early exit from the tournament, but Rauf insists the 2017 champions are not feeling any undue stress. “That match is gone. We are focused on the India game. We want to ensure that we don’t repeat the mistakes from our last match,” he added.

A History of Resilience

Despite the recent setback, Pakistan draws hope from its history against India in the Champions Trophy. In 2017, they famously clinched the title by defeating India by 180 runs. This past success is likely to boost their confidence as they prepare for this critical match. Rauf noted, “We have beaten India here in back-to-back years. We will try and repeat the good things from those games.”

Key Player Updates

Adding to the challenges, Pakistan will be without their star opener Fakhar Zaman, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the Champions Trophy 2025. The PCB has announced Imam-ul-Haq as his replacement in the squad.

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