Sarfaraz Ahmed Hopes for Another India-Pakistan Final in Champions Trophy
The ever-passionate Sarfaraz Ahmed dreams of witnessing another high-voltage India-Pakistan final in the upcoming Champions Trophy, calling it a historic clash.
A Dream Final for Fans Worldwide
Sarfaraz, who led Pakistan to victory in the 2017 Champions Trophy, expressed his desire for another grand showdown.
“An India-Pakistan final in the Champions Trophy would be a dream match, with fans across the globe eagerly waiting,” Sarfaraz told Telecomasia.net.
He also hoped the final could be played in Lahore, allowing Pakistani fans to see cricket superstars like Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant, and Jasprit Bumrah in action.
The 2017 Champions Trophy: A Rollercoaster Journey
The 2017 tournament was unique, featuring two intense encounters between India and Pakistan. The first match, played at Edgbaston, Birmingham, was Sarfaraz’s first as captain.
“I had faced India before, but leading the team in 2017 was a different experience,” he recalled. Pakistan lost by 124 runs, their biggest defeat in the rivalry.
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Turning the Tide: Pakistan’s Comeback
That defeat was a wake-up call. “We knew we couldn’t win the trophy playing like that,” Sarfaraz said. A hard talk within the team motivated everyone to bounce back stronger.
Pakistan then defeated South Africa via DLS method before facing a do-or-die match against Sri Lanka.
Chasing 236 runs, Pakistan was struggling at 162-7, when Sarfaraz and Mohammad Amir formed a match-winning 75-run partnership.
“Amir’s innings inspired me. I was lucky to be dropped twice,” Sarfaraz admitted. The team went on to defeat England in the semi-final, setting up a thrilling final against India.
The Grand Final: Pakistan’s Moment of Glory
Heading into the final at The Oval, Sarfaraz was confident. “Fakhar Zaman dreamed of us winning and wearing champions’ white jackets,” he recalled.
Fakhar, after surviving a no-ball dismissal off Bumrah, went on to score a match-winning century. Pakistan posted a formidable 338-4.
Then came Amir’s magic spell. He dismantled India’s top order, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan, breaking their batting backbone.
A Victory to Remember Forever
Sarfaraz vividly remembers the dropped catch of Kohli. “Azhar Ali dropped him, but I motivated the team. Amir was bowling brilliantly, and the very next ball, we got Kohli out.”
The victory remains his greatest achievement. “I still get goosebumps watching the final catch. It was a dream come true,” he said.
On June 18, 2017, Pakistan lifted the Champions Trophy, a moment celebrated by millions across the country. Sarfaraz recalled his hero’s welcome, taking hours to reach home from the airport due to massive crowds.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With another Champions Trophy on the horizon, Sarfaraz hopes for another India-Pakistan final, igniting cricketing passion worldwide once again.
