The stage is set for one of the most anticipated encounters in world cricket as Pakistan faces arch-rival India in a Group A clash of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 at the Dubai International Stadium on Sunday, February 23. With their semi-final hopes hanging by a thread after a crushing defeat to New Zealand, Pakistan must secure a victory to stay in contention.

Fast bowler Haris Rauf, in the build-up to the game, reminded India of Pakistan’s victories over their neighbors in Dubai—first in the 2021 T20 World Cup, and later in the 2022 Asia Cup. However, despite drawing confidence from history, Rauf acknowledged that past records mean little if Pakistan fails to execute under pressure. With injury setbacks and a struggling batting lineup, Pakistan faces a formidable challenge against a dominant Indian side.

Haris Rauf Revives Memories of Pakistan’s Dubai Triumphs

In a pre-match media interaction, Haris Rauf reflected on Pakistan’s historic victories over India in the UAE, highlighting their first-ever World Cup win against India in 2021 and the 2022 Asia Cup triumph. The fast bowler emphasized that these wins boost Pakistan’s confidence, especially as they return to a venue where they have tasted success before.

“We have beaten India here in back-to-back years. No doubt, it gives us confidence. We will try to repeat the positive things from those matches and secure another win,” Rauf stated.

However, he remained cautious about external factors such as pitch conditions, acknowledging that Dubai’s surfaces can be unpredictable and spin-friendly.

“The record is good, but it depends on the pitches. It might be a spin track. We will assess the conditions and adjust accordingly,” he added.

Pakistan Under Pressure After Loss to New Zealand

Pakistan’s tournament opener against New Zealand ended in a disappointing 60-run defeat, putting them in a precarious position. A loss to India would effectively end their campaign, making this encounter a must-win clash.

Despite the pressure, Rauf insisted that the team is staying focused and composed.

“There is no pressure. We are relaxed and focused on our performance. The entire squad is positive, and we are preparing as we would for any other match,” he affirmed.

Pakistan’s first training session in Dubai took place on Friday evening, after the squad arrived on Thursday. The coaching staff and leadership group are now working on correcting mistakes from the New Zealand game while strategizing for the high-stakes match against India.

Injury Setbacks Disrupt Pakistan’s Batting Lineup

Pakistan’s batting department has been dealt a major blow with the unavailability of Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub, both of whom were expected to play crucial roles in the team’s top order. Imam-ul-Haq has been named as Fakhar’s replacement, but Pakistan will need to restructure their batting lineup to compensate for the missing firepower.

Haris Rauf acknowledged the challenge, stating:

“Losing two in-form players does affect the team balance. Our combinations have been disturbed, and we must adapt quickly. We have capable batters who can step up.”

Approaching the Clash with a Determined Mindset

While Pakistan players are keen to treat this game like any other, Rauf conceded that the stakes are incredibly high. The team understands that anything less than a win will eliminate them from semi-final contention.

“It’s an important match. We will approach it as a normal game, but we know the stakes. If we want to progress in the tournament, we must defeat India. This is a do-or-die game for us,” said the 31-year-old pacer.

Can Pakistan Draw Strength from Past Inspiration?

Matches between India and Pakistan have always been more than just cricket encounters—they are battles of resilience, emotion, and national pride. With their campaign hanging in the balance, Pakistan will need inspiration, composure, and flawless execution to overcome a dominant Indian side.

As the countdown to Sunday’s clash intensifies, Pakistan’s ability to hold their nerve and execute under pressure will determine whether they can revive their campaign or face an early exit from the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.