Haris Rauf’s Bold Claim: ‘We’ll Make It 3-0 Against India in Dubai’
Newz Daddy Champions Trophy 2025 Updates
Synopsis in Bullet Points:
- Pakistan faces a must-win ODI against India in the Champions Trophy at Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS).
- Haris Rauf highlights Pakistan’s past T20 victories over India at DICS (2021 and 2022) as motivation.
- Rauf calls the India match “do-or-die,” emphasizing the need to avoid repeating mistakes from the New Zealand loss.
- Team morale remains high despite the 320-run defeat to New Zealand in Karachi.
- Rauf dismisses fitness concerns, confirming readiness for the high-pressure game.
- Injuries to Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are setbacks, but Rauf denies poor fielding coaching as the cause.
- Pakistan’s pace attack remains a strength, but adaptability to pitch conditions is crucial.
Related Stories
Champions Trophy 2025 : How Centuries Are Dominating the Champions Trophy
What Is The Difference Between ICC Champions Trophy and ICC World Cup?
As the sun sets over Dubai’s iconic skyline, the Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) is set to host another electrifying chapter in cricket’s greatest rivalry. This Sunday, Pakistan and India will lock horns in a Champions Trophy league match that’s anything but ordinary. For Pakistan, it’s a do-or-die moment—lose, and their semifinal dreams will be crushed; win, and hope stays alive.
Leading the charge of Pace attack for Pakistan is speedster Haris Rauf, whose fiery spells have often turned games. Speaking ahead of the clash, Rauf channeled optimism, reminding fans of Pakistan’s recent dominance over India at this very venue. “We’ve beaten India twice here in Dubai—once in the 2021 T20 World Cup and again in the 2022 Asia Cup. We’re aiming for a third win,” he said with a determined smile.
Pakistan’s campaign hit turbulence early, with a crushing loss to New Zealand in Karachi. The Kiwis piled up 320 runs, exposing gaps in Pakistan’s bowling and fielding. Rauf, who conceded 83 runs in that game, faced intense criticism. But the 31-year-old remains unfazed. “What’s done is done. We’re focused on correcting errors and delivering our best against India,” he stated.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. In ODIs, India holds a psychological edge over Pakistan in ICC events. Yet, Rauf believes Dubai’s pitches could tilt the balance. “Our pacers thrive here, but we’ll adapt whether the track favors spin or pace,” he explained.
Questions about Pakistan’s morale have swirled since their New Zealand defeat. Social media backlash and public frustration added pressure, but Rauf insists the squad is united. “The boys are relaxed and ready. We’re treating this as just another game—no extra pressure,” he said, highlighting the team’s resolve.
Injuries, however, have complicated Pakistan’s plans. Opener Fakhar Zaman, a key player, injured himself during fielding practice, while rising star Saim Ayub was ruled out before the tournament. Critics questioned the team’s fitness protocols, but Rauf dismissed the chatter. “Injuries happen—it’s part of sports. Blaming coaching methods isn’t fair,” he said, urging fans to trust the squad’s depth.
Rauf’s own fitness became a talking point after the New Zealand game, but he brushed off concerns. “I bowled all 10 overs, didn’t I? I’m fit and ready to go,” he stated. His confidence mirrors Pakistan’s reliance on pace—a department where Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Rauf form a lethal trio.
Yet, adaptability remains key. “Every pitch tells a story. We’ll study it, plan for each batter, and execute,” Rauf said, hinting at strategic adjustments. For India, containing stars like Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli will be critical.
India-Pakistan matches transcend sport—they’re cultural phenomena. While India boasts ODI superiority, Pakistan’s T20 wins in Dubai prove they can defy odds. Fans from both sides are flooding social media with memes, predictions, and nostalgic clips of past duels.
Rauf, meanwhile, is soaking in the excitement. “It’s a privilege to play in such matches. Win here, and you become a hero forever,” he said. With millions watching, Sunday’s clash isn’t just about cricket—it’s about pride, legacy, and redemption.
A win against India would reignite Pakistan’s Champions Trophy campaign, but challenges linger. The middle order’s consistency and fielding lapses need urgent fixes. Captain Babar Azam’s form will also be pivotal.
As Rauf put it: “We’re not here to make up the numbers. We’re here to fight.” For Pakistan, the mission is clear: conquer India in Dubai, or face an early exit.