ICC
AT THE OVAL FEW gave them a hope with the might of India and history ranged against them but Pakistan surged to a shock victory in the Champions Trophy final yesterday.
Inspired by a century from rookie Fakhar Zaman and thrilling match-winning bursts of fast bowling from Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali, the men in green stormed to only their second global 50-overs title.
The margin of victory – by a massive 180 runs with just under 20 overs to spare – was as emphatic as it was surprising for a team who tested the skin of their teeth and the seats of their pants to the limits to get over the line.
It was a win forged on brilliant individual displays and marshalled by Sarfraz Ahmed’s superb captaincy but the green and white masses who stayed to celebrate when the final wicket fell in India’s reply will know it also relied on a huge slice of luck.
Fakhar’s brilliant innings to smash a fearless 114 so nearly did not happen when he was reprieved by a no-ball from Jasprit Bumrah after being caught behind on three in the fourth over.
But, taking his second chance, he embarked on an electrified charge which put Pakistan firmly in control.
Considering it was only the 27-year-old’s fourth ODI, having been plucked from Pakistan league cricket by coach Mickey Arthur after impressing at a talent spotting camp in Lahore earlier this year, it has been a rise as stunning as it seemed unlikely.
Around his 114 off 106 balls, Azhar Ali and Mohammad Hafeez added half centuries as Pakistan climbed to an impressive-looking 338-4. And while a hugely powerful India