Pakistan stars recall ICC Champions Trophy 2017 triumph

Pakistan gamers have fun successful the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval in Birmingham, United Kingdom on June 18, 2017. — Reuters

As pleasure builds for one more high-stakes conflict between Pakistan and India, the Worldwide Cricket Council (ICC) has taken followers on a nostalgic journey by sharing a video that includes Pakistani cricketers reminiscing about their historic 2017 Champions Trophy victory.

The ICC’s official Instagram put up, captioned “A trip down memory lane as stars from Pakistan share their favourite moments from the 2017 Champions Trophy,” revisits the unforgettable last at The Oval, the place Pakistan surprised arch-rivals India to raise the coveted trophy.

Gamers recall glory

Babar Azam, reflecting on the match, highlighted a number of standout moments, together with Fakhar Zaman’s century, which he believes “set the tone for the game”. 

He additionally credited Azhar Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, and his personal contributions for establishing a formidable whole, earlier than lauding Mohammad Amir’s spell for dismantling India’s high order.

Naseem Shah echoed related sentiments, saying that the whole crew deserved credit score, however he singled out Fakhar’s hundred and Amir’s magical spell as defining moments in Pakistan’s emphatic 180-run victory.

“Not only one second however one of the best second is once you win, clearly. It’s fairly an accomplishment for the crew and there have been many nice recollections,” he stated.

Shaheen Shah Afridi, who was a budding cricketer on the time, recalled watching the ultimate along with his household whereas enjoying for Pakistan’s Below-19 crew. 

He described Amir’s fiery spell and Fakhar’s innings as his most memorable moments from the sport, whereas additionally mentioning that good performances got here from throughout.

Abrar Ahmed saved it easy, pinpointing Fakhar’s century and Amir’s three wickets as his standout moments from the match.

How Pakistan sealed the win

Pakistan’s cost to 338 for 4 was anchored by Fakhar Zaman’s beautiful century. His innings, nonetheless, virtually ended prematurely when he edged Jasprit Bumrah behind to MS Dhoni on simply three runs—just for the umpire to rule Bumrah had overstepped. That no-ball turned out to be the sport’s largest turning level.

Fakhar and Azhar Ali’s 128-run opening stand laid the muse, whereas blistering knocks from Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez (57 off 37 balls) propelled Pakistan to an imposing whole. The final 10 overs yielded 91 runs, setting a report goal by no means earlier than chased in an ICC last.

India’s chase obtained off to the worst doable begin when Mohammad Amir produced a masterclass in swing bowling, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan inside the primary 9 overs. Kohli was given a short reprieve when Azhar Ali dropped an easy probability at slip, however Amir struck once more the very subsequent ball, sending Kohli again as Shadab Khan took a pointy catch.

With India reeling at 33 for 3, skilled duo MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh have been anticipated to regular the innings. Nevertheless, an 18-year-old Shadab Khan trapped Yuvraj lbw, overturning the choice on evaluate, earlier than Dhoni fell hooking to the boundary.

Although Hardik Pandya threatened a fightback, smashing six sixes in his 76 off 43 balls, a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja led to an important run-out, dashing India’s hopes and sealing Pakistan’s emphatic triumph.

Pakistan, India set for essential Champions Trophy conflict

Their problem has been additional compounded by the injury-enforced absence of Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam’s current criticism for lack of intent.

India, in the meantime, is brimming with confidence after a commanding six-wicket victory over Bangladesh. Regardless of lacking Jasprit Bumrah, their bowling assault, led by Mohammed Shami, has been formidable. Their batting lineup seems well-equipped to tackle Pakistan.

India has dominated this rivalry in recent times, successful seven of the final eight accomplished ODIs in opposition to Pakistan. Nevertheless, historical past has proven that Pakistan’s unpredictability in main tournaments can by no means be dominated out, making Sunday’s conflict a must-watch spectacle.