KOHLI TAKES THRASHING ON THE CHIN

INDIA’S team of trophy-winning stars conceded they lost to the better outfit after being steamrollered by a rampant Pakistan at the Oval. India dished out their usual thrashing in the group stages. But just as they did 25 years ago to win the World Cup by beating England, the Pakistanis returned to flip the tables in the final. There may be plenty of political off-field animosity between these two nations. It certainly did not spill over into their cricket however as Indian skipper Virat Kohli (left) praised his counterparts. “I want to congratulate Pakistan,” he said. “They had an amazing tournament. The way they turned things around speaks volumes for the talent they have. “They proved it again, they can upset anyone on their day. “It is disappointing for us but I have a smile on my face because we played well to reach the final. Credit to them, they outplayed us today in all departments. This is what happens in sport. “We can’t take anyone lightly, they were more intense and passionate on the day. “You will have failures and one team has to lose. “And today was our day to lose because the opposition played much better than us.”