Haris Rauf Calls India Clash 'Do-Or-Die' Battle For Pakistan In Champions Trophy

Pakistan's fast bowler Haris Rauf has stressed the significance of their crucial encounter against India, asserting that the only way for the defending champions to progress in the Champions Trophy is by securing victory over their arch-rivals in Dubai on Sunday.

Having waited nearly three decades to host a global cricket tournament on home soil, Pakistan now faces the risk of elimination following a 60-run defeat to New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.

Photo Credit: PTI

Should Pakistan continue its dismal record against India on Sunday, it would require a complex set of permutations and combinations to remain in contention for the title defence, reported ANI.

"If we want to move forward in the tournament, we must defeat India. This is a do-and-die match for us," Haris told journalists at the team hotel before their first practice session at the ICC Academy in Dubai, as quoted by Gew News.

He emphasised the importance of moving on from their previous defeat and learning from the mistakes made against the Kiwis.

"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," he added.

Pakistan famously defeated India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and Haris assured that the Men in Green would aim to replicate that success in their upcoming fixture.

"We have beaten India here before, and we'll try to do it again. Every player is determined to give their best performance," he stated.

Ahead of the high-stakes clash, Pakistan suffered a major blow as explosive opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to a muscular strain. While acknowledging the setback, Haris expressed confidence in the team's depth.

"Yes, it's a setback, but we have strong replacements who can step up," he said.