Pakistan’s Road to Glory – ICC Champions Trophy 2017
Host Country: England and Wales
Dates: 1st June to 18th June 2017
Final Venue: The Oval, London
Group Stage Journey
Match 1: India vs Pakistan (June 4, Birmingham)
This crushing defeat triggered strong criticism from fans and pundits, questioning Pakistan’s preparation and strategy.
Result: India won by 124 runs
(DLSmethod)Pakistan’s campaign began on a dismal note, losing to their arch-rivals India. India posted 319/3 in a rain-shortened 48-over match, with fifties from Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Hardik Pandya.
Pakistan’s reply was lackluster, folding for 164 in 33.4 overs.
THE
UNPREDICTABLE
TEAM
The ICC Champions Trophy 2017, held from June 1 to June 18 in England and Wales, brought together the top 8 ranked ODI teams. Pakistan entered the tournament as the lowest-ranked side (8th), under the leadership of Sarfraz Ahmed, and with a relatively young and inexperienced squad. Yet, what followed was a fairy tale journey—marked by resilience, passion, and remarkable performances—that culminated in one of the most dominant final wins in ICC tournament history.
Match 2: Pakistan vs South Africa (June 7, Birmingham)
Result: Pakistan won by 19 runs (DLS method)
Needing a turnaround, Pakistan produced a disciplined bowling performance. They restricted a strong South African side to 219/8.
Rain interrupted the chase at 119/3 in 27 overs, and Pakistan were ahead on DLS
Hasan Ali shone with the ball (3/24) and was declared Player of the Match
Match 3: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka (June 12, Cardiff)
Pakistan won with just 3 wickets in hand, sealing a semi-final berth
Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets
In a virtual quarter-final, Pakistan bowled Sri Lanka out for 236.
Despite a shaky batting display and a middle-order collapse, Sarfraz Ahmed led from the front with a gritty unbeaten 61*, forging a crucial partnership with Mohammad Amir.
Semi-Final: Pakistan vs England (June 14, Cardiff)
Result: Pakistan won by 8 wickets
England, the tournament favorites, were bowled out for 211. Hasan Ali once again starred with 3 wickets.
Pakistan’s batting clicked perfectly—Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman gave a flying start with a 118-run partnership.
Pakistan chased the target comfortably in 37.1 overs, advancing to the final