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Agence France-Presse

Mohammad Hafeez hailed Pakistan’s team spirit as the key to their stunning Champions Trophy final triumph against India on Sunday.
Just two weeks ago, Pakistan were at a low ebb after crashing to a humiliating 124-run defeat against India in the group stage.
But Pakistan batsman Hafeez says his teammates vowed to stick together despite the avalanche of criticism and they reaped the rewards in memorable fashion on Sunday.
Gaining sweet revenge over India, Pakistan thrashed their arch rivals by 180 runs at The Oval to win the Champions Trophy for the first time.
“It’s a great team effort. After losing the first game, we had no chance to lose again,” said Hafeez, who played an important role in the win with a classy 57 not out.
“We showed great character. I’m so happy for the nation of Pakistan who have been waiting for this for a long time.”

Fakhar Zaman’s maiden one-day international hundred laid the foundations for Pakistan’s formidable total of 338-4.
After man of the match Fakhar finished on 114, Pakistan pace bowler Mohammad Amir ripped the heart out of the India batting line-up with the wickets of Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan and Virat Kohli.
Pakistan crush England to reach Champions Trophy cricket final for the first time
India, looking to retain the Champions Trophy, went down without a fight as they collapsed to 158 all out and Amir felt his spell was crucial.

“Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli have been in tremendous form so I was looking for early wickets ... and I did it,” he said.
Pakistan’s first global 50-over title since the 1992 World Cup reflected well on their former Australia coach Mickey Arthur, who kept his squad from losing focus after their dismal display against the Indians earlier in the tournament.

Arthur admitted Pakistan were desperate to prove they could go toe to toe with tournament favourites India with the title up for grabs.
“It’s been an up and down ride for us but I’m so proud of the boys,” Arthur said.
“The whole group kept believing, we knew we were better than what we showed in the first game against India.
Kumar Sangakkara inspired Sri Lanka stunner, says skipper Angelo Mathews after shock win over India
“That was an aberration. We want to be more consistent as a team.”
Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed added: “After the India match in the group stage, I told the players the tournament hadn’t finished yet. Credit goes to my boys.
“Fakhar is a great impact player, he played like a champion batsman. Amir bowled brilliantly but all my bowlers bowled really well.”

India captain Kohli conceded Pakistan were worthy winners and, while he claimed to be proud of his players, his admission that the new champions played with more passion was a damning indictment.
“I want to congratulate Pakistan first, they had an amazing tournament. The way they turned things around speaks volumes for the talent they have in their side,” Kohli said.
“They were more intense and passionate today, they deserved to win.
“Everyone desires composure, not just me. Early wickets are never good, especially in a chase.
“We have no hesitation or shame to admit we didn’t play our best game.
“I’m disappointed but I have a smile on my face because I’m proud of how my team has performed in the tournament overall.”



Hafeez hails Pakistan spirit for India stunner

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ICC Champions Trophy

Pakistan celebrate winning the ICC Champions Trophy at The Oval. Photo: Reuters

Pakistan's players celebrate their victory over India on the pitch after the ICC Champions Trophy final cricket match between India and Pakistan at The Oval in London on June 18, 2017. Pakistan thrashed title-holders India by 180 runs to win the Champions Trophy final at The Oval on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

TOPSHOT - Pakistan's Mohammad Amir celebrates taking the wicket of India's Rohit Sharma, lbw for 0 during the ICC Champions Trophy final cricket match between India and Pakistan at The Oval in London on June 18, 2017. Title-holders India were set a target of 339 to win the Champions Trophy final against Pakistan at The Oval on Sunday. / AFP PHOTO / Ian KINGTON / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

Indian cricket fans react as they watch on screen the Champions Trophy finals between India and Pakistan at London's The Oval, in New Delhi, India June 18, 2017. REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

Britain Cricket - Pakistan v India - 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final - The Oval - June 18, 2017 Pakistan fans celebrate after winning the ICC Champions Trophy Final Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Britain Cricket - Pakistan v India - 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Final - The Oval - June 18, 2017 Pakistan celebrate winning the ICC Champions Trophy Action Images via Reuters / Paul Childs Livepic EDITORIAL USE ONLY.

Captain Kohli hails Yuvraj Singh as India rout Pakistan in Champions Trophy opener

India captain Virat Kohli shakes hands with Pakistan players after their ICC Champions Trophy match. Photo: AFP

Britain Cricket - India v Pakistan - 2017 ICC Champions Trophy Group B - Edgbaston - June 4, 2017 India’s Virat Kohli celebrates the wicket of Pakistan’s Azhar Ali Action Images via Reuters / Andrew Boyers Livepic

India's Yuvraj Singh bats during the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham, England, Sunday, June 4, 2017. (AP Photo/Rui Vieira)

India batsman Yuvraj Singh (R) consoles an injured Pakistan Imad Wasim (C) during the ICC Champions trophy match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 4, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Paul ELLIS / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE

India urged to keep focus in Champions Trophy semi-finals

Mahendra Singh Dhoni

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Pakistan batsman hails tournament ‘no-hopers’ as they turn the tables on India, embarrassing their rivals to win the Champions Trophy for the first time in a crushing 180-run victory at The Oval
