KARACHI: As an unfancied Pakistan outclassed the favourties India in every department of the game to lift the Champions Trophy at The Oval on Sunday, celebrities, politicians, cricketers and commentators took to Twitter to shower praise on the greens shirts.

Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, Maleeha Lodhi (@LodhiMaleeha) tweeted: “Congra-tulations Team Pakistan for a stunning and decisive win. World champs! Done Pakistan proud!”

Bollywood actor and director Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) tweeted, “Congratu­lations Team Pakistan. Undoubtedly, the better side today in all departments.”

Tennis star and wife of Pakistani cricketer Shoaib Malik, Sania Mirza (@MirzaSania), wrote: “[Indian flag] lost the cricket but won in hockey against [Pakistani flag]. Congratulations Team India and congratulations Team [Pakistani flag] sport is a great leveller!”

Veteran Bollywood actor Rishi Kapoor, who had upset Pakistani Twitterati earlier, tweeted @chintskap: “Yes Pakistan, you have defeated us. Well played, outplayed us in all departments. Many congratulations, I concede. Best wishes!”

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf chief Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) tweeted: “Congratulations to Team Pakistan on their great performance in winning #CT17 And how wonderful to watch Fakhar’s raw talent in action.”

He also said: “Pakistan have defeated India to become #CT17 [trophy emoji] Champions. Now the whole nation awaits the defeat of the corrupt mafia.”

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif’s daughter Maryam tweeted a video message from her father in Saudi Arabia. She (@MaryamNSharif) said: “We are the champions [Pakistani flag] Congratulations & well done Team Pakistan #PAKvIND #CT17Final.”

Former national cricket team’s captain Shahid Afridi wrote at his official Twitter account @SAfridiOfficial: “This performance will be remembered long by both Indian and Pakistani fans :) Pakistan ’ve made this #CT17 truly memorable.”

Another former captain Misbahul Haq (@captainmisbahpk) said: “Cong­­ratulations @TheReal­PCB, the team & the whole country for such a great win.#CT17. Boys you made us happy & proud. Up & above 4rm here!”

Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) of the West Indies cricket team said: “Wow congratulations to Pakistan on winning the #ct17 no one gave them a chance, but here they are well deserve champions...#Pakistan Zindabad.”

Author Kamila Shamsie (@kamilashamsie), who was watching the match at The Oval, tweeted: “So many Indian fans have left that those of us who remain are keeping busy moving from set of seats to another for optimal view #ct17.”

Bollywood’s Ranveer Singh (@RanveerOfficial) said: “Congrats Pak-played a helluva final Some brilliant teams hav lost finals recently..Juve,Cavs & now Team India-funky sorta season.. #INDvPAK.”

Pakistan Peoples Party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari (@BBhutto­Zardari) said: “Congratulation #Pakistan Well done Pak Cricket team #PAKvIND #CT17Final.

The British High Commissioner Thomas Drew (@TomDrewUK) said, “Congratulations to Pakistan on an impressive victory. Good to know that England’s semi-finals loss was to the eventual champions. #CT17.”

Former Indian cricketer Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) said: “Congratulation Pakistan on a really comprehensive victory today. Well played, deserved winners and a great result for Pakistan cricket.”

Published in Dawn, June 19th, 2017