PAKISTAN CAPTAIN PROUD OF TEAM

PAKISTAN captain Sarfraz Ahmed always believed his side could turn their fortunes around after they reached the Champions Trophy final with a dominant eight-wicket win over England in Cardiff.

Pace bowler Hasan Ali took three wickets as Pakistan dismissed England, the only unbeaten team left in the tournament, for a mere 211.

In marked contrast to their nail-biting chase in a three-wicket, virtual quarterfinal, win over Sri Lanka in Cardiff on Monday, Pakistan then cruised to a total of 215 for two with a mammoth 77 balls to spare.

Azhar Ali (76) and Fakhar Zaman (57) dismissed England’s attack to all parts of Sophia Gardens in an opening stand of 118.

What made Wednesday’s win all the more impressive was that it came just 10 days after Pakistan launched their Champions Trophy campaign with a woeful 124-run hammering by archrivals India.

But just three days later Pakistan, the lowest-ranked side in a tournament featuring the world’s top eight one-day international teams, bounced back to defeat No 1 South Africa.

“It is a cause of great pride and happiness for myself and for the entire Pakistan nation,” Sarfraz said after the semifinal triumph.

“It was a team no one gave a chance, neither here nor back home,” the 30-year-old wicketkeeper said.

His 61 not out was key to the victory over Sri Lanka. “No one thought we’d reach the final.” Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said before the semifinal that if his side played their best game, they could put pressure on England.

And they did so in style, despite being without injured left-arm quick Mohammad Amir because of a back spasm.

Azhar said: “Getting England out for 211 is never easy, because they have a wonderful balance to their side and we knew if we didn’t take wickets, they would score heavily.” – AFP