- The Day Pakistan Made History (June 18, 2017)
Nine years ago today, on June 18, 2017, Pakistan cricket witnessed its greatest ODI triumph since the 1992 World Cup. At The Oval in London, an unheralded Pakistani side led by Sarfaraz Ahmed crushed arch-rivals India by 180 runs to lift their maiden ICC Champions Trophy. This wasn’t just a victory – it was a statement that Pakistan, ranked No. 8 entering the tournament, could dominate the world’s best on their day.
The Ultimate Underdog Story
June 18, 2017, remains etched in golden letters in Pakistan cricket history. Pakistan entered the tournament as eighth-ranked outsiders, had suffered a humiliating 124-run defeat to India in their group match, and were facing a star-studded Indian team led by Virat Kohli.
The Road to Redemption
From Humiliation to Hope
Pakistan’s journey in the tournament began disastrously with a crushing loss to India in Birmingham. However, Sarfaraz’s men staged one of cricket’s greatest comebacks:
Must-win vs South Africa: Fakhar Zaman announced himself with 31 off 23 balls
Quarterfinal vs Sri Lanka: Hasan Ali’s 3/34 restricted SL to 236
Semifinal vs England: Pakistan’s bowling unit dismantled tournament favorites
The Final Build-Up
Few gave Pakistan a chance against India’s batting juggernaut featuring Sharma, Dhawan, Kohli and Dhoni. The odds were stacked against them:
- India had won 13 of their last 15 ODIs against Pakistan
- Kohli’s team was unbeaten in the tournament
- Pakistan’s batting looked fragile beyond Fakhar and Azhar
The Final: June 18, 2017 – A Day of Pakistani Dominance
First Innings: Fakhar Zaman’s Fearless Century
Fakhar’s Heroics took apart India’s spinners. Mohammad Hafeez’s 57* off 37 balls propelled Pakistan to 338/4
India’s Chase: The Amir & Hasan Ali Demolition (158 all out)
What followed was one of Pakistan’s greatest bowling performances:
- Mohammad Amir’s Spell (6-2-16-3): Removed Rohit, Kohli and Dhawan in his opening burst
- Hasan Ali’s Finishing Touch (3/19): The tournament’s leading wicket-taker sealed the deal
- Fielding Brilliance: Shadab Khan’s pressure catch symbolized Pakistan’s intensity
Key Moments That Defined the Final
- Fakhar’s Reprieve: Caught off a no-ball when on 3 (went on to make 114)
- Amir’s Triple Strike: Dismissed India’s top three within 14 overs
- Hafeez’s Cameo: His 37-ball 57 broke Indian spirits
- Kohli’s Dismissal: Caught at point for 5 – the turning point
- Pandya’s Run-Out: His explosive 76 ended controversially via mix-up
Why This Victory Was So Significant For Pakistan Cricket
- First ICC ODI tournament win since 1992 World Cup
- Validation of “cornered tigers” spirit under new leadership
- Emergence of new stars: Fakhar, Hasan Ali, Shadab Khan
- Proved Pakistan could win without relying solely on Misbah/Younis
For Sarfaraz Ahmed
- Cemented his place as Pakistan’s limited-overs captain
- Became first wicketkeeper-captain to win ICC tournament
- Transformed from backup player to national hero overnight
Legacy of the June 18, 2017 Champions Trophy Win
This victory proved Pakistan’s unmatched ability to rise from ashes in ICC tournaments. It:
- Inspired the 2022 T20 World Cup final run
- Created template for bowling-heavy Pakistan sides
- Showed world Pakistan’s talent pipeline despite isolation
Conclusion: A Day That Will Never Be Forgotten
Nine years on, that sunlit afternoon at The Oval remains Pakistani.