There are no other words to describe it: they played like a team possessed. Pakistan’s astounding victory over favourites England in the Champions Trophy semi-final at Cardiff on Wednesday has taken the green shirts to their first-ever final in the 20-year history of the tournament.

For a team placed last among the eight competing sides to find its bearings in the run-up to the mega event, Pakistan turned in a performance the likes of which have seldom been witnessed in the country’s 65-year cricket history.

Over the years, Pakistani players have acquired the reputation of being unpredictable; in fact, it was felt that they had become victims of such stereotyping, often losing important games in high-profile events.

A similar pattern was evident after the victory against South Africa in a rain-marred game last week and the tight win over Sri Lanka on Monday; most critics were convinced Pakistan’s mercurial run would be snapped by unbeaten England in the semi-final.

But all such scepticism was banished by Pakistan at Cardiff in a contest that was ruthlessly dominated by Sarfraz Ahmed and his charges from the first ball to the last.

Sarfraz is proving to be a brave skipper. With his aggressive style of leadership and unflinching faith in his charges, he infused a hitherto absent fighting spirit in the players.

Besides, the intrepid batting of opener Fakhar Zaman and pacer Hasan Ali’s coming of age have been crucial factors in inspiring the team to lift its game, especially after defeat at the hands of India in Birmingham.

The India spectre still looms large in the final. Despite the brilliant win over England, despite Sarfraz’s dynamic leadership and despite the performance of Fakhar and Hasan, Pakistan will be wary of the arch-rivals who have enjoyed a clear edge in recent contests.

Analysts have attributed this to psychological factors, with the Pakistan side finding it hard to keep its nerve, and losing focus.

One hopes that this equation is altered on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, June 16th, 2017