Pakistan dominate team of the tourney
LONDON: Victorious Pakistan players dominated the Champions Trophy team of the tournament which was announced on Monday with their captain Sarfraz Ahmed named captain of the side.
Fakhar Zaman, who scored a match-winning 114 in Pakistan’s 180-run victory over arch-rivals India in the final, was picked alongside the tournament’s top scorer Shikhar Dhawan of India.
Bangladesh’s Tamim Iqbal was slotted in at number three after driving his side to their maiden semifinal at a major global tournament. Joe Root represented semifinalists England for his aggregate of 258 runs while Ben Stokes was rewarded for his all-round contribution.
The bowling lineup was led by Pakistan paceman Hasan Ali, who finished with 13 wickets, and his team mate Junaid Khan. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed seven dismissals for India, was also named. England’s Adil Rashid was the only spinner after claiming seven wickets.
“To be appointed as captain of the Team of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, which includes some of the finest and most attractive cricketers of this generation, is the perfect icing on the cake,” Sarfraz said in an International Cricket Council statement.
Great achievement
Earlier, Sarfraz said ‘not just today, not just tomorrow, this day will be remembered in Pakistan for years to come’ while making a passionate plea to other nations to play international cricket in their country. No major cricketing nation has toured Pakistan since the terrorist attack on Sri Lanka team back in 2009.
“It was a great achievement by the boys and full credit to them. Everyone will remember this achievement, not just for today or tomorrow but for a long, long time in Pakistan cricket. The boys were really motivated today. We came here as a number eight ranked team and won the tournament. Hope all nations now come and play cricket in Pakistan,” Sarfraz said.
“It is an unbelievable feeling which I can’t describe at the moment though. I dedicate this win to the people of Pakistan.”
“For years now, Pakistan is playing home matches in Dubai. We don’t get the home advantage like other teams. Through this victory, I would like to appeal to the other teams that please come and play in Pakistan.”
Team: Shikhar Dhawan (India), Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan), Tamim Iqbal (Bangladesh), Virat Kohli (India), Joe Root (England), Ben Stokes (England), Sarfraz Ahmed (Pakistan) (captain and wicketkeeper), Adil Rashid (England), Junaid Khan (Pakistan), Bhuvneshwar Kumar (India), Hasan Ali (Pakistan), Kane Williamson (New Zealand) (12th man).