A fortnight that brought glory to Pakistan
LONDON: Pakistan’s record-breaking 180-run win over title-holders India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval on Sunday completed a remarkable turnaround for Sarfraz Ahmed’s side in the space of just a few weeks.
The lowest-ranked team in the eight-nation one-day international tournament, their group campaign started with a 124-run thrashing by India at Edgbaston on June 4.
But it was wins all the way from then on, culminating in Sunday’s stunning success at The Oval — the scene of Pakistan’s first Test match victory in England in 1954.
A snapshot of Pakistan’s unbelievable transformation:
June 4: Lose to India by 124 runs at Edgbaston
Pakistan are completely outplayed in what coach Mickey Arthur calls a “shambolic” display as India pile up 319 for three before dismissing their old foes for just 164 in a rain-marred match.
June 7: Beat South Africa by 19 runs at Edgbaston
Hasan Ali, with three wickets, leads a brilliant bowling display as bottom-ranked Pakistan hold the top-ranked Proteas to 219.
Fakhar makes a confident 31 on ODI debut and Pakistan are well ahead of where they need to be, at 119 for three off 27 overs, when rain sees them win under the Duckworth/Lewis rule.