EOIN Morgan thinks England failed to adapt to the conditions in Cardiff after they checked out of the Champions Trophy with an embarrassing eight-wicket semi-final defeat to Pakistan.
"No one thought we'd reach the final."Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur said before the semi-final that if his side played their "best game" they could "put pressure" on England".
Hasan Ali's three-wicket haul helped Pakistan qualify for their first-ever Champions Trophy final after they demolished England by eight wickets in Cardiff.
On a Cardiff ground where they chased more than 300 to beat England in an ODI past year, Pakistan completed Wednesday's pursuit with a mammoth 77 balls to spare when Mohammad Hafeez pulled Stokes for four.
"We looked at the game they played previously, 250, 270 would have been a good score".
"The bowlers did extremely well and got us in a very good position". We did prepare like we were going to play on a used wicket. "The margin of victory by eight wickets with almost 13 overs to spare is as comprehensive as you can get, and is indicative of the quality of cricket the two sides portrayed on the day", Bond wrote.
Pakistan, thus, became first finalists of the 50-over ICC event and they will face the winners of semi-final 2, scheduled to be held between India and Bangladesh. "Pray for us so we win the final and bring the cup as an Eid gift".
There's a reason why Pakistan were being termed as "unpredictable" going into the Champions Trophy and they proved it today.
Pakistan through to the Champions Trophy Finals
That was to be England's last taste of success as Azam and Mohammad Hafeez sealed the deal with an unbeaten 42-run partnership. Joe Root top-scored with 46 and Yorkshire team-mate Jonny Bairstow, recalled in place of dropped opener Jason Roy, managed 43.
"For Pakistan to win, thus, and to do so without Mohammad Amir, will be massive for its confidence".
Asked how self-belief had been restored following a defeat by India greeted with widespread condemnation back home, Sarfraz explained: "After the India match, we just motivated the guys".
Morgan's opposite number Sarfraz Ahmed hailed Pakistan's near ideal performance. "So it was a big challenge and one that was too far for us".
Yet that day, England were playing on a fresh wicket, so batsmen found it easier to hit their stride. "We have an experienced side and we need a team effort", the current selector said. The left-arm quick took two for 53 and also starred with the bat, making an unbeaten 28 in a match-clinching unbroken stand of 75 with captain Sarfraz (61 not out) that clinched a three-wicket win.
Pakistan required just 4.23 from the onset to upset the hosts and Zaman made his intentions clear in the first over of the chase by hitting James Ball for a six.
"I think the pitch was very good".
Pakistan's players acknowledged the strong crowd support on Wednesday by walking a lap of the ground at the end of the match, particularly applauding the vocal supporters on the south-eastern side of the ground.
'We are thinking that we (want to) play at our best (on Thursday).
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