In an aberration to the storied rivalry's 10-year trend, a Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan demolished Virat Kohli's India by a massive 180-run margin in the last title clash of the 50-over showpiece
With the ICC Champions Trophy returning after an eight-year gap, beginning with a Pakistan vs New Zealand clash in Karachi on Wednesday (February 19, 2025), the memories of what happened in the previous edition might have faded for some. But they certainly have not for the supporters of the teams that played the 2017 final - India and Pakistan. (Full Coverage | More Cricket News)
In an aberration to the storied rivalry's 10-year trend, a Sarfaraz Ahmed-led Pakistan demolished Virat Kohli's India by a massive 180-run margin in the last title clash of the 50-over showpiece. It is the Men In Green's only one-day international win over their arch-rival neighbours in the past decade, and one they cherish deeply.
Having lost their campaign opener to India by 124 runs, Pakistan roared back in style, avenging that defeat with a near-invincible performance in the final, headlined by Fakhar Zaman's brilliant century. Zaman made the most of an infamous no-ball reprieve from Jasprit Bumrah in the fourth over of the match to smash 114 off 106 balls and take his side to a commanding position at the Oval in London.
Mohammad Hafeez struck an unbeaten 57 off 37 balls, and Azhar Ali, Babar Azam both played vital knocks as Pakistan posted an imposing 338-run total on the board. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/44/ in 10 overs ) and Hardik Pandya (1/53 in 10 overs) were the only Indian bowlers to go for less than run-a-ball, as Kohli's men were sent on a leather hunt.
In response, India got off to the worst possible start as Rohit Sharma was trapped in front by Mohammad Amir for a third-ball duck. By the 17th over, the Men In Blue were six down for 72 and the match appeared to be done and dusted, when Pandya combined with Ravindra Jadeja to give them a glimmer of hope.
But a terrible error in judgment from Jadeja led to mix-up between the wickets, and Pandya was run out for 76 off just 43 deliveries. With him, went India's remote chances and Pakistan swooped in to dismiss them for a paltry 158 in 30.3 overs. Amir (3/16) and Hasan Ali (3/19) snared three wickets apiece, with Ali ending up as the Player of the Tournament with 13 wickets to his name.
Things have changed a lot since, with India not conceding defeat to Pakistan at any 50-over encounter. But when it comes to Pakistan, expect the unexpected. As it is, an India vs Pakistan clash is never bereft of context or storylines, and the thrashing of the 2017 final would be fresh in both team's minds when they face off for a blockbuster reprise on Sunday, February 23 in Dubai.