Pakistan had come into the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and lost heavily to India in their opening group match but they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to make the semi-finals where they knocked out hosts England.
Earlier, riding on Fakhar Zaman's brilliant batting, Pakistan posted a challenging 338/4 against India in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval here on Sunday.
338 Pakistan's total, their highest in any tournament final, and their second-highest in an ODI against India. While 22 players battle it out on the pitch, there's hardly anything that helps calm the fans; both raring to go at each other at every instant.
India still had three wickets in hand but the deafening cheers from the Pakistan fans made clear that the end was nigh. "Dhoni with Sarfaraz's son, Abdullah". In fact, if reports are to be believed, around Rs 2,000 crore will be on stake for Sunday's Champion's Trophy final, according to estimates by the All India Gaming Federation (AIGF).
"(We won) thanks to Allah and the prayers of the whole nation", Ahmed said in brief comments as he jostled his way through the crowd of well-wishers.
After winning the toss, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said that they are not taking Pakistan for granted and are looking forward to putting their best foot forward. Title-holder India collapsed to 33 for three and 54 for five against a Pakistan side they had thrashed in their tournament opener. The cricket board then approached players and forced them to play mediocre game, according to him.
"Kohli had cautioned his team that this Pakistan team was on a winning wave and his words at the prize distribution ceremony was very sporting", he said. There's a fresh wicket, even grass covering and we'd like our bowlers to exploit it.
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The Prime Minister also said there had been "huge frustrations" on the ground as people struggled to find information. The tragedy has provoked a big response from nearby communities that have donated food and shelter to the victims.
India's batting, considered the strongest, crumbled before the Pakistan bowlers led by Mohammad Amir, who wiped away the cream of the Indian batting with three wickets, followed by Hasan Ali with three wickets and Shadab Khan with two more, to bowl India out for 158 in 30.3 overs.
Pakistan saved its best performance for the last and hammered India in the final with Mohammed Amir proving his worth as a world class fast bowler and the one to watch out for in the coming years.
"But I am more happy for players like Fakhar Zaman and Hassan Ali, who impressed their peers through their talent and performances, and found their way in the side".
Junaid Khan and Hasan (3 for 19) wrapped up the tail in no time at all to secure the win.
"The teams that might have taken Pakistan lightly in this event will never dare to repeat such a mistake again and whatever the lead-up to the 2019 World Cup may be like, Pakistan will be a serious contender for the trophy", Afridi wote.
Provincial governor Mohammad Zubair said he was proud of "son of Sindh" Ahmed and hoped the victory will ignite more energy into youngsters playing the sport.
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