Fakhar, Amir guide Pakistan to Champs Trophy

Rattled India fail to chase highest total in tourney history

London – Fakhar Zaman and Mohammad Amir shone as Pakistan defied the odds to overwhelm arch-rivals India by 180 runs and pull off a major upset in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval yesterday.

Fakhar capitalised on a lucky escape to strike a superb 114 and lift Pakistan to a commanding total of 338/4 and fast bowler Amir ripped out India’s top three batsmen before the defending champions subsided to 158 all out.

Pakistan had come into the tournament as the lowestranked team and lost heavily to India in their opening group match but they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to make the semifinals where they knocked out hosts England.

“Fakhar is a great impact player, he played like a champion batsman today,” Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said.

“Amir bowled brilliantly today but all my bowlers bowled really well. We have a young team and credit to my boys.”

After India had won the toss, Fakhar, on three, was caught by wicketkeeper Mahendra Singh Dhoni off a Jasprit Bumrah no-ball and the 27-year-old left-hander took full advantage to make his first international century.

He shared a fluent century opening partnership with Azhar Ali (59), the pair unleashing a barrage of crisp attacking strokes all around a sun-kissed ground.

Fakhar hit 12 fours and three sixes before skying a catch off Hardik Pandya but Pakistan had the perfect platform to make the highest total in a Champions Trophy final.

Babar Azam chipped in with a solid 46 and Mohammad Hafeez struck three sixes in a punchy unbeaten 57 that left India needing to produce the highest successful run chase in the tournament’s history to lift the trophy for the third time.

Within three overs, however, their reply was in tatters as Amir produced a devastating spell of bowling. He removed Rohit Sharma. Then he had Virat Kohli caught at point by Shadab Khan.

‘‘ Fakhar is a great impact player, he played like a true champion batsman