As Pakistan prepares for its high-stakes Champions Trophy match against India, fast bowler Haris Rauf has brushed off any talk of added pressure, maintaining the team's focus and confidence ahead of the pivotal encounter.

The much-anticipated clash, set for Sunday in front of a sell-out Dubai crowd, is a do-or-die game for the Greenshirts, as a defeat would all but end their title defence.

Speaking to the media outside the Dubai Stadium prior to a training session, Rauf emphasized that Pakistan was not preoccupied with its opening loss to New Zealand, a 60-run defeat that has placed them in a precarious position in the tournament.

With a semi-final spot still in reach, Rauf assured that the team was completely focused on their next challenge against India, leaving past results behind.

“We have a good track record against India in Dubai, and we’ll try to continue that,” Rauf said, expressing optimism about Pakistan's chances despite the earlier setback.

Pakistan has historically performed well against India in the UAE, a factor Rauf believes can inspire the team in this crucial match.

As far as strategy and team selection go, Rauf explained that the final decisions would depend on the pitch conditions at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium. While Pakistan’s fast bowlers, including Rauf himself, have traditionally had success against India, he highlighted that adaptability would be key to success in the contest.

“The management will assess the conditions and decide accordingly,” he said. “Yes, our pacers have done well, but we’ll have to see what the wicket demands and manoeuvre accordingly.”

With the pressure mounting and the stakes high, Pakistan's focus is squarely on the task ahead—taking on India in a match that could decide their Champions Trophy fate. A win would keep their hopes alive for a semi-final spot, but a loss would knock them out of the tournament entirely.

Rauf and the team are determined to make the most of the opportunity, relying on their strong past performances against India and their ability to adapt to the ever-changing conditions in Dubai.

As Sunday’s match approaches, all eyes will be on the Dubai International Cricket Stadium, where Pakistan’s resilience will be tested against their arch-rivals in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.