Fakhar ton sees off India

PAKISTAN completed a remarkable turnaround by blowing India away to be crowned Champions Trophy champions.

They headed into this tournament as the eighth-ranked team and just two weeks ago, Pakistan were hammered by India and were one loss away from crashing out in the group stages. But after four wins, finishing with yesterday’s 180-run thumping over their biggest rivals, the underdogs were celebrating winning their first global 50-over title since the 1992 World Cup. Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez said: “It’s a great team effort. “After losing the first game, we had no chance to lose again. We showed great character. “I’m so happy for the nation of Pakistan who have been waiting for this for a long time.”

Luck

Pakistan’s biggest ODI win over India in terms of runs was largely down to Fakhar Zaman’s century.

Fakhar rode his luck when he was caught behind off a no-ball on three.

But he went on to smash 114 and share a century opening partnership with Azhar Ali (59).

Hafeez’s late big hitting propelled Pakistan to a commanding total of 338-4 at The Oval.

A devastating bowling display ensured India never got a sniff as the fit-again Mohammad Amir then tore through the India top order.

Amir, who missed the semifinal ® win over England with a back spasm, reduced the defending champions to 54-5. The leftarm paceman dismissed Rohit Sharma, skipper Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan.

Once last hope Hardik Pandya (76) was run out, the writing was on the wall as India were bundled out for just 158 with almost 20 overs remaining.

Pakistan coach Micky Arthur said: “It’s been an up and down ride but the whole group kept believing.

“We knew we were better than what we showed in the first game against India. That was an aberration.

“We want to be more consistent as a team. We’ll work really hard to keep this momentum going.”

India blew the chance to seal a clean sweep, as victory would have made Kohli’s team the world No.1s in both one-day and Test cricket.

Kohli said: “They can upset anyone on their day.

“We didn’t take them lightly. They were more intense, passionate and deserved to win.”