Dubai, February 21
Pakistan tearaway Haris Rauf underlined the importance of a do-or-die clash against India and made it clear that the only way for the defending champions to move forward in the Champions Trophy is by standing triumphant over their arch-rival in Dubai on Sunday.
After waiting nearly three decades to host a global cricket tournament in its nation, Pakistan is on the verge of elimination after surrendering a 60-run defeat against New Zealand in the tournament opener in Karachi.
Suppose Pakistan continues to maintain its shambolic record against India on Sunday. In that case, it will need plenty of permutations and combinations to work in its favour and keep its title defence alive.
"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.
Haris emphasised the need to put their past result behind them and carry forward the lessons they gained from their past mistakes 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 emerged victorious over India in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and Haris assured that the Men in Green would aim to replicate that 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 added.
Ahead of the clash, Pakistan suffered a massive setback after explosive opener Fakhar Zaman was ruled out of the tournament due to a muscular strain. Haris admitted that the seasoned opener would be missed but feels there is enough replacement who can step up in his absence.
"Yes, it's a setback, but we have strong replacements who can step up," he said.
- ANI