Indian captain Virat Kohli admitted that Pakistan were the better side on the day and did not let India off the hook at any point of the match. India crashed to a 180-run defeat to Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy.
India were prounced by Pakistan in the final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. India were chasing a total of 339 and were dismissed for just 158. Virat Kohli commended the Pakistan team for coming out with the goods on the day and never letting the Indian team off the hook. “Credit to the opposition,” said the Indian captain, “They had to earn their win and made us make those mistakes in the way they bowled and put pressure in the field.”
When India began its chase of 339 and wickets started to tumble, leaving the team tottering at 54/5, it was like the bad old times. There was no miracle in store as India capitulated completely, and Pakistan ran away to a memorable 180-run win in the Champions Trophy final — the biggest victory margin in the final of any ICC ODI tournament.
Congratulations Pakistan on a really comprehensive victory today. Well played, deserved winners and a great result for Pakistan cricket.
— Virender Sehwag (@virendersehwag) June 18, 2017
This performance will be remembered long by both Indian and Pakistani fans 🙂 Pakistan 've made this #CT17 truly memorable
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 18, 2017
India’s top three of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Kohli were taken out on the cheap by Mohammad Amir and that, in itself, dented India’s chances. “Early wickets are never good, especially in a chase,” said Kohli, “One good partnership would have been to key to set it up nicely.” It was then all downhill for India. When asked whether the early wickets had an effect on the match, Kohli said that it is “hard to say in the shorter formats of the game.” “When Hardik started hitting, everyone started getting the feeling that if we can take the game deep then we can get closer to the total,” he said.
Hardik Pandya’s innings was the only real positive for India in the match. He scored 76 off 46 balls in an innings peppered with big sixes. But he departed after a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja. His wicket effectively signaled the end of India’s challenge. He also reiterated that India were beaten by a better side at The Oval. “We have no hesitation or shame to admit that we could not play our best game today,” he said.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017, India Vs Pakistan: World Reacts To Pakistan On Winning The Champions Trophy
However, after this long evening of celebrations at the Oval, and all across Pakistan, Sarfraz would now join the pantheon of Greats in Green. What Lord’s is to India, Kapil Dev and the Class ‘83, Oval will be to Pakistan, Sarfraz and this Class of ‘17.
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