New Delhi: Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf said that his team will treat the upcoming match against India in the Champions Trophy like any normal fixture. He also confirmed that he is completely match fit for the high-octane clash set to take place at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium in Dubai.
India and Pakistan matches never start without creating any buzz. The players are often asked about the atmosphere of the game and what level of pressure do they face even though the two teams are limited to competing in multi-team tournaments.
Pakistan Remains Optimistic
Rauf, who has played three One-Day Internationals and five T20 Internationals against India, said Pakistan won’t be under pressure and will look it as any other game.
“There is no pressure in the match against India, all the players are relaxed and we will take it just like any other match,” said Rauf.
Pakistan and India have played in 135 ODI matches with the former having the edge in the rivalry with 73 wins to India’s 57. The last time the two teams played in an ODI game was in the 2023 World Cup in Ahmedabad with India winning the match by seven wickets. Rauf is confident of playing against India in Dubai given that the team has the knowledge of the conditions.
“We have beaten India in Dubai twice before, so we know the conditions here very well. Our entire game plan will depend on the conditions and pitch on match day,” he added.
Pakistan lost to New Zealand by 60 runs in the first match of the Champions Trophy in Karachi. The team was further hit by the injury of Fakhar Zaman forcing him to get ruled out of the tournament.
“Yes, the absence of Saim Ayub and now Fakhar Zaman is a big setback for us in the Champions Trophy. But we still have the players to perform well and take us through in this event,” he added.
Pakistan will be in much-needed situation to win the match against India to stay in contention for a spot in the semifinal of the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf stated his team won’t feel pressure against India in their upcoming Champions Trophy clash. Despite the intense rivalry and recent setbacks like Fakhar Zaman’s injury, Rauf expressed confidence, citing Pakistan’s past victories in Dubai. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
