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ICC Champions Trophy Finals: Pakistan decimates India to claim maiden title

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Pakistan smashed the highest total in a Champions Trophy final that included a maiden century from opener Fakhar Zaman, after India won the toss and chose to bowl at The Oval. India in response lost its top order cheap as Mohammed Amir ripped through the top three putting to an end the slightest chance that India had for a fightback. Finally India fell short by 180 runs allowing Pakistan lift their maiden ICC champions trophy.

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Pakistan saved their best performance of the tournament for the last! A well-deserved title for the Green Brigade! And that's all from us! Thanks for joining us today! For all the latest news from around the world, keep following our website.

Pakistan saved their best performance of the tournament for the last! A well-deserved title for the Green Brigade! And that's all from us! Thanks for joining us today! For all the latest news, follow http://www.newindianexpress.com/ 

The Pakistan team take a victory lap around the ground! 

PAKISTAN TAKE THE CUP!

The Pakistan flag flies high at the Oval! As the crowd cheers, the Pakistan team collect the trophy to celebrate!

Players from Pakistan and India collect their medals one by one. Great performance in the tournament by both teams! 

LEADING RUN SCORER

The Indian opener has been the most successful batsman in the tournament bagging 338 runs. (AP)

PLAYER OF THE TOURNAMENT

Hassan Ali is the player of the tournament. Pakistan's new-found bowling spearhead! (AP)

Hassan Ali wins the Golden Ball award for the highest wicket-taker of the tournament. 

MAN OF THE MATCH

Fakhar Zaman selected Man of the Match for his brilliant century. (AP)

Shikhar Dhawan wins the Golden Bat award for the highest run scorer. 

The player of the match in the final is Pakistan's young Fakhar Zaman for his 114. 

Trophy presentations begin.

Presentation ceremony underway at the Oval.

Great scenes at the oval. A sea of green.  

Pakistan write the perfect fairy tale, the last ranked team now lift the title.

FINAL SCORE: Ind 158 all out (30.3 overs) 

CONGRATULATIONS PAKISTAN !

Pakistan are the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 winners, defeating the hot favourites India by 180 runs. The Men in Blue's hopes of becoming  the first side in history to defend the title after Australia shatters after a miserable performance with both bat and ball.

An emotional Pakistan team huddle to celebrate their hard-earned win! Take a bow, Sarfraz Ahmed!

WICKET Jasprit Bumrah 1 (9)

That's the final wicket. India stood no chance against the heat of Pakistan's pace attack. 

WICKET! IT IS ALL OVER

The game ends in the winning captain;s hand as Sarfaraz Ahmed collects a loose shot by Bumrah without fail.

PAKISTAN WIN

Sarfraz takes the catch and Pakistan win!! Hassan Ali finishes what Mohammad Amir began!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah are just delaying the inevitable now. 

Over 30 - Ind 158/9

30 overs are up. Pakistan are still waiting for that last wicket.

Amir's big three wickets set it up for the green brigade. India never really recovered from there. 

Over 29 - Ind 156/9

Pakistan are just an inch away from glory! What a performance with both bat and ball! 

Yep.

WICKET Ravichandran Ashwin 1 (3)

Nine down! India have just completely been demolished by some brilliant bowling! Hassan Ali gets another! 

OUT

Pakistan just one wicket away from the Cup.

Over 28 - Ind 156/8

India is just losing it. All pakistan's game now and their bowlers deserve it. 

WICKET Ravindra Jadeja 15 (26)

First a miscommunication from him cost the dismissal of Hardik Pandya and now he throws his own wicket away, edging one to slip. Not a good day for Jadeja! 

BOWLING CHANGE WORKS

\An unsettled R Jadeja gives a catch to the slip.

Over 27 - Ind 154/7

India are down in the dumps now. Only a miracle can save them now. 

ASHWIN UP

Last recognised batting pair in crease for the defending champions.

HARDIK DISMISSED

India loss their best chance to a communication mishap.

WICKET Hardik Pandya 76 (43)

Over 26 - Ind 152/6

15 runs off that over. But, is a wicket around the corner? 

Another huge one Hardik Pandya ! Indian fans gain some life.

Pandya dealing in SIXES! India's lone warrior gives fans something to cheer for.

Over 25 - Ind 137/6

At the halfway mark, it has been Pakistan's game so far! India's strength, their batting failed today and that has made all the difference in the world.    

Over 24 - Ind 134/6

A decent over that. Pakistan still seem to be hovering over for a wicket.

Over 23 - Ind 128/6

Back-to-back sixes for Pandya! But, is it enough to shake up Pakistan?

22 runs off this over! One more ball to go! Hardik Pandya still believes!

PANDYA GETS FIFTY

HARDIK LEONIDAS PANDYA

Two sixes in a row !

Over 21 - Ind 102/6

A boundary from that over. Jadeja and Pandya are trying to hold on, building up India's most decent partnership so far. 

100 UP FOR INDIA

Better late than never.

Celebrations begin in Islamabad

Over 19 - Ind 89/6

Jadeja and Pandya have an uphill climb to get India across the line. Pakistan continue to hold it tight. 

Almost a run out there! The last thing India would want right now is that! Jadeja scampers back to make it to the crease!

SIX

Hardik Pandya is hanging in there. A solid shot down the ground. 

Pandya gives something for the Indian fans to cheer.

Over 18 - Ind 80/6

Jadeja is the next one in. Can he make a difference? India is desperate now. 

Shadab Khan - what a revelation !! Youngest player to play Champions Trophy makes a mark in the summit clash.

India are six down now. Pakistan's intensity on the field is just blowing the Men in Blue away!

WICKET Kedar Jadhav 9 (13)

Another one falls! Shadab gets his second! Some good turn! Jadhav scoops one up as the Pakistani skipper calls to take the catch. 

Pandya joins in too. Jadhav and Pandya are batting positively with nothing to lose. 

Over 16 - Ind 67/5

A boundary off the last ball. Jadhav trying to show some resistance. 

Over 16 - Ind 67/5

A boundary off the last ball. Jadhav trying to show some resistance. 

Over 15 - Ind 62/5

Jadhav and Pandya have a huge job to do. 

Resistance ?

FOUR

Finally, relief for India as Jadhav sends one to the boundary. They're going to need many more of these!

Is India's weak middle order exposed today?

Over 14 - Ind 55/5

A triple 5 that India will not be proud of! This is a huge collapse!  

WICKET MS Dhoni 4 (16)

Hassan Ali joins the party too!! MS Dhoni scoops one up as Imad Wasim dives to take the catch! Dhoni never got going today. 

Uh-ohh ..

Over 13 - Ind 54/4

India are in deep trouble!! Pakistan are just eating up the Indian batsmen! 

MAN WITH HAWK EYES

A confident Shadab successfully challenged the umpire's decision to dismiss Yuvraj Singh; big wicket for Pakistan. (AP)

WICKET Yuvraj Singh 22 (31)

Shadab khan gets it right! Ball tracker shows that the ball would have hit middle stump plump!! Yuvraj walks off in dismay.

REVIEW

A big shout from Shadab for LBW!! Captain Sarfraz agrees to review. 

Bowling change at both ends. Shadab Khan and Hassan Ali are on. Amir and Junaid have done the damage though.

 It is Shadab's charisma against Dhoni's experience.

Over 12 - Ind 50/3

India painstakingly reach the 50 mark. Dhoni and Yuvraj are looking to build up a steady partnership. 

Brilliant fielding by Fakhar Zaman to save a sure four. The fielders are backing up their bowlers. Pakistan are giving it their all, out there!

TASK IN HAND

Can Hassan Ali defy the experience of Yuvraj Singh ? (AP)

Over 11 - Ind 47/3

A maiden from Amir. Pakistan are not allowing any space for India to try and break free.

Somewhere before a TV in Delhi:

Over 10 - Ind 43/3

Yuvraj is trying to be positive. If anyone can win this game, the two batsmen at the crease can! 

Yuvraj ends the over on a positive note with a beautiful boundary.

BOWLING CHANGE

Can Mohammad Hafeez produce a wonderful all-round performance and seal it for Pakistan ?(AP)

Over 9 - Ind 33/3

Pakistan are right on top now! India's lower middle order will be tested today. The next man in is MS Dhoni.  

WICKET Shikhar Dhawan 21 (22)

SHIKHAR DHAWAN departs too! Amir gets his third! A routine catch for the keeper! India in real trouble now!

AMIR AGAIN: DHAWAN DEPARTS

India in knee-deep trouble as it losses it's most successful batsman of the tournament. (AP)

Sarfraz Ahmed is yet to use their best bowler, Hassan Ali. 

Over 8 - Ind 31/2

A big over that, courtesy the tournament's best batsman for India, Shikhar Dhawan! Yuvraj is still looking rusty though. 

 And another cracking shot for four from Dhawan !

Dhawan fires another one into the boundary line with grace.

Shikhar Dhawan carries his form into the final, puts one away from Junaid calmly.  

Over 7 - Ind 22/2

Just one from that over. Are Amir and Junaid the perfect opening bowling combination for Pakistan?

 Amir and Junaid are asking all the right questions. Yuvraj seems extremely uncomfortable.

Over 6 - Ind 21/2

A four from Yuvraj off that over. But, the Indian batsmen look far from comfortable at the crease. 

Remember 23 March 2003?

Over 5 - Ind 15/2

Much-needed boundaries for India from that over. With a big target to chase, India can't afford to go slow.

Over 4 - Ind 7/2

Junaid backing up Amir by keeping it tight, a maiden. Yuvraj just can't seem to get the ball away.  

Well driven by Dhawan!

 Dhawan pulls one for four. India needed that.

 Yuvraj seems hesistant to stretch for quick-singles.

Over 3 - Ind 7/2

India in big trouble now. Two down in just three overs! The next man in is Yuvraj Singh. Can he be India's hero today?

WICKET Virat Kohli 5 (9)

Amir strikes again! Kohli chips a simple one to Shadab Khan!

Can the man in form deliver when it matters the most ?

Over 2 - Ind 4/1

Kohli and Dhawan play it safe after the wicket of Rohit. 

Junaid Khan opens from the other end. Two slips for Kohli.

Over 1 - Ind 2/1

Amir looks to turn it on! Pakistan off to a brilliant start! 

Big big blow for India. Amir showing why he is a pedigreed cricketer!

-Harsha Bhogle

WICKET Rohit Sharma 0 (3)

A brilliant delivery from Amir that plump hits the stumps!  

Mohammad Amir strikes...Rohit Sharma departs for a duck...

Amir gets Rohit!

Rohit Sharma defends the first ball. Amir looks to get some swing going. 

Mohammad Amir to open the bowling for Pakistan. Rohit Sharma to take the first ball.

GAME ON...

We are back on!

Pakistan have a team huddle as the Indian openers walk out.

Rohit and Dhawan need to deliver now.India needs their consistency and big hitting ability more than ever now. They need to be postive here. I have no doubt they can. Meanwhile Pakistan bowlers, for no doubt, will be  trying to reverse the ball. The pitch is definitely gonna able them to do the same.- Micheal Hussey, former Australian cricketer

Innings Break

Pakistan post a very competitive total. In a final, there's always an added pressure while chasing. Can the Men in Blue get out there and chase it down?

Well, they certainly have the batting power to do it, with the likes of the tournament's top run-scorer Shikhar Dhawan, Rohit Sharm, Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh and MS Dhoni. But, Pakistan's explosive bowlers led by the very dangerous Hassan Ali will look out to rout the rivals out.

"What an innings by Fakhar Zaman. Held his nerve on the big stage. Just what Pakistan needed"

- Kumar Sangakkara

Pakistanis cheer while watching the final on big screen in Lahore. (AP)

Over 50 - Pak 338/4

A single off the last ball and it is over. Pakistan set India, a target of 339. 

WHAT A BATTING PERFORMANCE BY PAK

SIX! Hafeez launches one straight down the ground! Playing a gem of an innings here!

Two dot balls followed by a six. Hafeez determined not to let Bhuvi dominate.

Hafeez is struggling to get Bhuvneshwar away. 

My name is Hafeez...Mohammad Hafeez...

Over 49 - Pak 329/4

It's down to the last over. How much can Pakistan score? 

FIFTY

Hafeez quietly reaches a fifty! Very valuable runs for Pakistan. 

Luck is certainly on Pakistan's side: Ball hits wicket but the bails doesn't dislodge.

And it's a commentator's curse, Bumrah bowls a no-ball! 

India on the money in the death overs! Bhuvneshwar and Bumrah keeping it nice and tight!

Indian team - Not sure if cricketers or Ninjas

Over 48 - Pak 318/4

 A brilliant over from Bhuveneshwar Kumar! Just five off that over! A valuable one for India.

EXCELLENT OVER FROM BHUVNESHWAR

Bowling his heart out...(AP)

 A slight hint of tension on skipper Virat Kohli's face.

Over 47 - Pak 313/4

Can Hafeez drive Pakistan to reach the 350 mark?  

Imad Wasim crunches a loose delivery down the ground for FOUR!

 Bumrah is nicely mixing it up with slow deliveries. 

Over 46 - Pak 305/4

And 300 is up for Pakistan in just the 46th over. 350 looking good now. 

Over 45 - Pak 294/4

Hafeez thrashes Jadhav! Two huge sixes off that over! India had better find a way to stem the runs!

Over 44 - Pak 278/4

Hafeez is trying to up the ante. A four off that over.

If I get excited by watching the Pakistan batsmen score six, am I anti- national ?.

- Issac James, Kochi

WONDER WHAT THEY WERE DISCUSSING ABOUT....

Imad comes down the ground to send Jadhav flying.

Hafeez and Imad seem to have switched into run-a-ball mode as they knocks around finding easy singles of J Bumrah. 

The projected score now is 316 but Pakistan should be looking at at least 330.

Biggest stage in the career of the Swansea-born after a successsfull U-19 WC campaign.

Over 43 - Pak 270/4

Pakistan are steadily going up but wickets are beginning to fall at regular intervals. First Malik and then the well-settled Azam.  

NEW MAN IN

Can Imad Wasim be the perfect partner Hafeez wants ? (AP)

The next one in for Pakistan is the English-born Imad Wasim. 

WICKET Babar Azam 46 (52)

And he misses out on a half century! Babar Azam loops it into the air giving an easy catch for Yuvraj SIngh at mid-off. 

YUVI GOT SAFE HANDS

Babar departs for 46, Jadhav strikes.

Over 42 - Pak 266/3

Pakistan marching on with a healthy run rate. Mohammad Hafeez joins the party now. India need a breakthrough. 

Pakistan playing their heart out it seems. Ashwin dealing in wides.- Rahul Narayan, Perumbavoor

Pakistani fans rejoice as Hafeez sweeps another ball for four. Great start for the right-hander.

Over 41 - Pak 257/3

Ten runs off that over. If Pakistan keep this up, they can easily make it to 300.

Babar Azam quietly inching towards a half century, at 44 now.

Over 40 - Pak 247/3

It's going to be the last ten overs now! Can India push Pakistan back with quick strikes or will Pakistan just take off now?  

Its surprising to see Mohammad Hafeez coming to bat ahead of skipper Sarfraz Ahmed...

WICKET Shoaib Malik 12 (16)

BHUVI STRIKES

Want a wicket ? Call me maybe ! (AP)

Bhuvneshwar Kumar brought into the attack to contain the run rate, and get a breakthrough.

Over 39 - Pak 246/2

Just four away from the 250 mark, and they have 8 wickets in hand. Pakistan have a good platform to go all out there and launch from. 

Experts say it's a good wicket to bat on. So, even 300 would be chaseable for India.

BOWLING CHANGE

Hoping for another double-strike ... (fb/kedarjadhavindia ) (AP)

Kedhar Jadhav comes in to bowl. Can he produce some magic like last time? 

"This is clever from Pakistan. One batsman taking the lead, the other playing himself in. Haven't had two new batsmen in."

-Harsha Bhogle

Over 38 - Pak 239/2

Pandya ends his spell, definitely a bit on the expensive side today, but he got the important wicket of the dangerous Zaman.  

Over 37 - Pak 227/2

Another expensive over, this time from Jadeja. India is struggling to stem the flow of runs.

FORM IS TEMPORARY, CLASS IS PERMENANT

Over 36 - Pak 216/2

Pakistan are pushing on. With wickets in hand, the green brigade are looking to go all out.

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

FOUR

Stand and deliver on the front foot! Malik gets his first boundary. 

If Pakistan strikes at this rate, the target for India would be around  330-350. Seems like a really tough climax is up for this game! - Aashin Thampy, Ernakulam

Over 35 - Pak 209/2

Seven off that over. One more wicket will be good for India.

FOUR

And Bumrah's woes continue. Babar Azam gets his first boundary. 

Bumrah is back in. Kohli is trying to squeeze him in after his bad spell today. Will Pakistan go after him? 

Over 34 - Pak 202/2

A brilliant over from Pandya! Just two runs off it and the dangerous Zaman is gone.

The new man in is the experienced Shoaib Malik.

Clearing the boundary is one thing and beating the Indian fielders another!! Hats off to Sir Jadeja for that amazing catch.

WICKET Fakhar Zaman 114 (106)

And India has got their break! Jadeja made a difficult catch look easy! Pandya does the job for his captain!

Fakhar falls

One of the finest catches you are ever likely to see ...

Over 33 - Pak 200/1

Pakistan reach 200. They would be looking for 350 now.

Ashwin is under pressure as Zaman seems to put him away very easily. 

Fakhar starts the over with a six!

Over 32 - Pak 189/1

The green brigade are just running away with it! India needs to find someone who can turn this around with perhaps a bit of magic. Kedar Jadhav, anyone?

"All the runs that he scores after his century will show his character," says Sanjay Manjrekar about young Fakhar Zaman.

Over 31 - Pak 186/1

It's just the 31st over and Pakistan are already closing in on 200. Fakhar Zaman seems to be running away with the game. India need a wicket if they want to get back in the contest.

Meanwhile Virendar Sehwag

Speechless

Take a bow - Fakhar Zaman scores a ton

What a splendid innings from the young opener; somply WOAHH !! (AP)

Over 30 - Pak 179/1

That's the end of 30th over. Pakistan are still on top.

 Ashwin brought back now.

Pandya looks in good form with the ball as his perfect line and length coupled with a slight swing misses Babar Azam's bat.

Partnership for Pakistan's second wicket is now heading to 50.

Over 29 - Pak 176/1

A very quiet over after long. Just one run off it. Zaman is yet to reach his hundred.

After that Azhar Ali run-out, Zaman has scored 39 off 26. Amazing positivity.

Any minute now...

Over 28 - Pak 175/1

Just a six away from the hundred mark now for Zaman.

Fakhar Zaman in the nervous nineties now. That no-ball has cost them far too much.

Hardik Pandya brought back into the attack..India desperately are in need of a wicket..

 Ashwin bowls the worst over (so far!!) as he goes for 16 runs.

Over 27 - Pak 167/1

Azhar Ali's dismissal only seems to have let Fakhar Zaman loose! India need to find a way to stem the bleeding.

Admit it

They deserve a standing ovation for stepping up when it mattered the most.

Over 26 - Pak 150/1

16 runs off that over! A big one for Pakistan. Fakhar Zaman finding his form. Two lovely sixes.

Over 25 - Pak 134/1

Babar Azam gets off the mark.

Fakhar Zaman hits a HUUUUGGGGGGEEEEEEEEE SSSSSIIIIIXXXXXXXXXX.......

Fakhar you beast !

Meanwhile in Indian dugout

Over 24 - 129/1

The new man in is Babar Azam. Just 1 run off that Jadeja over as the spinner keeps it tight for Zaman. 

Over 23 - Pak 128/1

Can the breakthrough breathe life into the Indian bowlers? A well-played fifty from Azhar has set the perfect platform for Pakistan. 

Azhar Ali 59 (71b 6x4 1x6) SR: 83.09

WICKET! Azhar Ali 59

Ball-watching costs him as Azhar ends up being a mile away from the crease, giving enough time fro MS Dhoni to knock off the bails with the throw from Bumrah.

Azhar is gone

The opening partnership has been finally broken at 128.

Young fans in INDIA

Ashwin is back into the attack. He looked very defensive before. Will he change it up to get the breakthrough his captain needs?

Over 22 - Pak 125/0

The Men in Blue must be regretting that no-ball by Bumrah as Zaman reaches 54 runs. Two boundaries off that over.

Over 21 - Pak 118/0

 And the green brigade are motoring on nicely.

Over 20 - Pak 114/0

Both the openers reached half centuries now and if even one of them get a hundred, then India are going to be in big trouble.

And Fakhar joins the party

Sever boundaries as he brings up his fifty. good going Zaman. (AP)

Demolition man

Fifty up for Azhar Ali. (AP)

This is hilarious

Burn haters burn !

Wanted to see Pakistan getting bullied, get to see "the Pak storm"  instead !!

Over 19 - Pak 103/0

A century stand for the openers and Pakistan are looking strong. Will they try to up the run rate now? The projected score at the current rate is 277. They'll be wanting more than that.

Hundred up without the losing a wicket

Kudos to the Pakistan openers.

Milestone

Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman: Highest opening partnership by Pakistan against India in any ICC world tournament.

A great bit of fielding by Jadeja, saves a boundary and almost manages to hit the wicket at the non-striker's end for a run out.

Over 18 - Pak 96/0

The btasmen play it safe just after drinks. Azhar Ali inching to his half century now.

 Jadeja back on after drinks.

Drinks Break

Skipper Kohli should be deperate for some ...

Over 17 - Pak 93/0

Pakistan are looking solid.

Azhar Ali makes a little bit of room, edges one straight up into the sky. But, the ball lands in the no man's land. Lady luck is certainly in Pakistan's favour today.

Five bowlers tried and still no wicket. Pak fans:

Good fielding by Yuvraj Singh. That positivity and support is just what his team's bowlers need now.

Over 16 - Pak 90/0

Just 10 away now from a century stand. Azhar and Zaman are complementing each other really well. India must break this partnership if they want to get back in the game.

Its great news for the Indian fans as Indian badminton ace Kidambi Srikanth beats Kazumasa Sakai 21-11, 21-19 to lift the Indonesia Open Super Series...Surely a victory to rejoice...

Pakistan are playing intelligently, just the right amount of energy as runs flow freely. The pressure on India taking a toll on the bowlers. 

Change in bowling at both ends. Ravindra Jadeja starts his spell now.

Over 15 - Pak 86/0

Fakhar Zaman is getting more confident, just didn't let Pandya settle down. A boundary to finish off that over.

This Pakistani side seems to be a completely different from the one steamrolled by India in the previous encounter.

Bowling change

Can Hardik Pandya deliver the much needed breakthrough for the defending champions ? (AP)

And finally, there's a change in bowling! Hardik Pandya steps in and is looking good.

Over 14 - Pak 77/0

India has done their homework for Zaman. Bowlers refuse to give him room by giving straight deliveries to the body. But, may be a change in bowling is needed. Is it a good time to perhaps bring in Ravindra Jadeja?

India's homework for Zaman is very evident bowlers refuse to give him room.

Ashwin continues. Virat tries to be aggressive with a slip in place, but the Pakistan batsmen look completely at ease.

Ashwin continues. Virat tries to be aggressive with a slip in place, but the Pakistan batsmen look completely at ease.

Over 13 - Pak 74/0

India desperate for wickets now. Will there be a bowling change next?

Good running from Pakistan as Bumrah looks on scratching his head.

Fakhar Zaman is dynamic at the top, with the calm, calculated Azhar Ali at the other end. The partnership building up now, not too far from a hundred.

The Men In Blue definitely need a breakthrough!!!!

Over 12 - Pak 69/0

Ashwin can't keep Azhar down, as the batsman goes after him.

Over 11 - Pak 63/0

It's a tug-of-war here as Indian bowlers look to put the Pakistan openers, who are trying to get free, under pressure.

Powerplay 2 now under way. Azhar begins with a very straight drive for FOUR.

Jasprit Bumrah gets a second spell, Kohli holds back on Hardik Pandya.  

Over 10 - Pak 55/0

That's 10 overs done and the Pakistani openers look settled. India badly need a wicket now to pull their rivals back.

Fifty up for Pak

Azhar sweeps Ashwin for four and brings the 50 for his team.

Pakistan are going at a run rate of 6 an over. The projected score now is 300. But, Pakistan will surely look to get more than 300.

Over 8 - Pak 48/0

Pakistan nearing fifty now, Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman show no signs of slowing down.

First six of the final !

Azhar Ali comes down the pitch and drives one straight over mid-on for a six!

Bowling change

R Ashwin brought into the attack. (AP)

Azhar Ali has had an impressive run at the Champions Trophy this year, with a best score of 76*.

Pakistani fans seem to be enjoying the game at the moment.

Over 7 - Pak 38/0

A quieter over but the Pakistan openers are looking to really dominate the Indians.

A quick run! A throw at the stumps! Misses by an inch!

Over 6 - Pak 36/0

The Indian bowlers are under pressure, as Azhar and Zaman look to up the scoring.

Pakistan batsmen are settling down and the boundaries just keep coming. 

Bumrah seems to be running in with nerves, is bowling too many extras.

Over 5 - Pak 27/0

Two expensive overs from India and they are under pressure. Fakhar Zaman is slowly opening up.

A bouncer hits Fakhar Zaman's helmet and races to the boundary.

Bouncer hits Azhar Ali's head and goes off to boundary !

Just a reminder of stats for our readers. When it comes to overall tournament finals, Pakistan have always fared better, having a winning percentage of 42.86, with India not far behind at 40.32%. The recent form of India has been quite good, with Virat Kohli's side winning 7 of their last 10 encounters whereas Pakistan have equal share of wins and losses managing to win only 5 of their last 10 encounters.

Over 4 - Pak 19/0

Two boundaries off that eventful over. Pakistan are looking good.

Turning out to be an expensive over for India. Three extras in the over.

First convincing shot of the game from Azhar Ali. A classic straight drive from him for the second boundary of the over.

 The wicket doesn't count. But, it's all happening here! 

Indian fans right now be like:

Wicket off a no-ball!

 Very unfortunate for India as Jasprit Bumrah oversteps and Fakhar Zaman edges one to the keeper! 

Over 3 - Pak 7/0

 A chance of a run out missed in that over by Kedar Jadhav! So Close!

Bhuvneshwar the name !

Begins the game with a maiden. Bhuvi.

Over 2 - Pak 3/0

And both batsmen are off the mark with singles. Jasprit Bumrah looking good except for a wide.

Jasprit Bumrah starts from the other end with Fakhar Zaman taking strike.

Over 1 - Pak 0/0

Bhuveneshwar Kumar keeps Azhar Ali quiet, starting off with a maiden. A tidy over from India's most dependable bowler.

And off we go

Azhar Ali leaves the first ball from Bhuveneshwar Kumar, as the crowd roars.

Pakistan openers Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali take the field.

It's almost time!

The Pakistan openers warms up as the Indian fielders take their positions in the field.

Excitement has been in the air for the past two days, and India, Pakistan cricket fans are just going crazy! Experts feel that today’s final is going to be a battle between India’s batting and Pakistan’s bowling, especially in the middle overs. So, gear up for a cracking contest between the bat and the ball!

India and Pakistan have clashed on English soil on four different occassions, winning three of them. India has always enjoyed an overwhelming success at the oval where they have a winning percentage of 35.71% as cmpared to their rivals, who have a meagre 22.22% in ODIs.

Time for some quick stats!

This is the 9th time India has made it to the finals of an ICC event proving their dominance on the world stage where they ended on a winning note on five occassions.

Men in Blue !

Time for the National Anthems

Emotions engulf the Oval as players from both the teams take the field for the national anthems!

Pakistan team remains unchanged

Pakistan XI

Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed,Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan

Toss

 Virat Kohli chooses to bowl first.

Toss

India win the toss and choose to bowl.

It all boils down to this, one last contest between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. The men in blue cantered to the summit clash while the men in green fought their way through with brilliant upsets. What are the chances that India will defend their trophy smooth as they’ve been throughout the tournament? And what are the chances Pakistan might pull off one last upset?

Toss

India won the toss and choose to bowl.

The passion of the Indian fans wherever their team is playing is so inspiring ; A #ChakDeIndia moment from the Oval. (AP)
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