Pakistan stun India in Trophy final
MOHAMMAD Hafeez hailed Pakistan’s team spirit as the key to their stunning Champions Trophy final triumph against India.
Just two weeks ago, Pakistan were at a low ebb after crashing to a humiliating 124-run defeat against India in the group stage.
But Pakistan batsman Hafeez said his teammates vowed to stick together, despite the avalanche of criticism, and they reaped the rewards in memorable fashion yesterday.
Gaining sweet revenge over India, Pakistan thrashed their archrivals by 180 runs at The Oval to win the Champions Trophy for the first time.
“It’s a great team effort. After losing the first game, we had no chance to lose again,” Hafeez, who played an important role in the win with a classy 57 not out, said.
“We showed great character. I’m so happy for the nation of Pakistan, who have been waiting for this for a long time.”
Fakhar Zaman’s maiden one-day international hundred laid the foundation for Pakistan’s formidable total of 338/4.
After man-of-the-match Fakhar finished on 114, Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir ripped the heart out of the India batting lineup with the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.
India, looking to retain the Champions Trophy, went down without a fight as they collapsed to 158 all out, and Amir felt his spell was crucial.
“Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli have been in tremendous form, so I was looking for early wickets – and I did it,” he said. Pakistan’s first global 50-over title since the 1992 World Cup reflected well on their South African coach Mickey Arthur, who kept his squad from losing focus after their dismal display against the Indians earlier in the tournament.
Arthur admitted Pakistan were desperate to prove they could go toe to toe with tournament favourites India with the title up for grabs.
“It’s been an up and down ride for us, but I’m so proud of the boys,” Arthur said.
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed said: “After the India match in the group stage, I told the players the tournament hadn’t finished yet. Credit goes to my boys.”
We showed great character. I’m so happy for the nation of Pakistan