Once termed flawed and highly underestimated, as the Cornered-Tigers of Pakistan roared at Cardiff on Wednesday, the unbeaten England was swept away of ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
All the speculations and expert opinions by former Cricketers went wrong, when Pakistan denied to bow down before the history as its remarkable all-round performance outclassed the favorites England, making to the Final of ICC Champions Trophy for the first time though having featured in Semis three times previously as well.
👏#ENGvPAK #CT17 pic.twitter.com/0FvKivirvm
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2017
Famously tagged as ‘unpredictable’ Pakistan entered the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 with lowest ranking but as the tournament is heading towards its climax, it became the first to qualify for the Final.
It was undoubtedly a Pakistan’s day in Cardiff on June 14 as not only Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss but while bowling first, restricted strong England’s batting line up to just 211 runs with excellent bowling changes, variety, spin, seam bowling and laudable fielding.
Only Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes and Captain Eoin Morgan could make some contribution in England’s total score of 211 with individual scores 46, 43, 34 and 33 respectively. Rest were completely choked by Pakistani bowling.
Hasan Ali once again proved his worth and picked up 3 wickets, becoming the highest wicket taker in the tournament with 10. Junaid Khan and debutant Rumman Raees also bagged 2 wickets each while leg spinner Shadab Khan took 1.
10 wickets in four games ✅
Leading #CT17 wicket-taker ✅
Semi-Final Player of the Match ✅Ladies and gentlemen, Hassan Ali! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/xakWlG8rte
— ICC (@ICC) June 14, 2017
While Chasing a moderate target, Pakistani openers felt no pressure and gave a 118-run stand, making the job even easier for batsmen to come. Fakhar Zaman scored his second consecutive 50 in the tournament and stumped for 57 off Adil Rashid while Azhar Ali scored 76 before he was bowled by Jake Ball.
Later unbeaten Babar Azam and Muhammad Hafeez guided Pakistan to an 8-wicket victory with 38 and 31 runs respectively.
Now Pakistan will play the final of ICC Champions Trophy 2017 at The Oval on Sunday against either India or Bangladesh.
Felicitation messages:
Congratulatory statement by Minister of State for Info @Marriyum_A for the victorious Pakistani team at #CT17 @gop_info @pid_gov pic.twitter.com/o4a2KhfSoc
— PTV Sports (@PTVSp0rts) June 14, 2017
Congrats Team Pakistan.
Good luck for the Final.— Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor (@OfficialDGISPR) June 14, 2017
Congratulations Team Pakistan for an outstanding performance today.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) June 14, 2017
Congratulations to Team Pakistan. Great achievement to reach the final. Best of luck.
— BilawalBhuttoZardari (@BBhuttoZardari) June 14, 2017
Pakistan go into their first ICC ODI tournament final in 18 years. Howwzzat??? Have faith in Team Pakistan! Be positive. #PakistanZindabad
— Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) June 14, 2017
You make us proud team Pakistan! What a stunning comeback after first loss, silencing/shocking critics. Such a joy. Pakistan Zindabad 🇵🇰
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 14, 2017
Nailed it team green what a https://t.co/ndEoXtYGvK more to go give it your best shoot .We all are behind you all the way.What a feeling.
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) June 14, 2017
Sarfraz has carved a grt win & managed a turn around on the strength of young apprentices:Hassan Fakhar Shadab Babar Raees- A Pak special!👏👏
— Ramiz Raja (@iramizraja) June 14, 2017
Well done green caps you guys done it style by winning so easily keep going 1 more game to go ..
Proud of you Pak team ..— Shoaib Akhtar (@shoaib100mph) June 14, 2017
