Itwas one of the hottest days in London and the Pakistan team suddenly became too hot to handle as India failed to cross the final hurdle in their Champions Trophy summit clash at the Oval yesterday.
India won the toss and chose to field first in the Champions Trophy final at The Oval.
But Pakistan batsman Hafeez says his team-mates vowed to stick together despite the avalanche of criticism and they reaped the rewards in memorable fashion on Sunday.
A wounded Pakistan will be out for revenge while India will aim to maintain their dominance when the arch-rivals meet in the final of the Champions Trophy cricket tournament at the Oval on Sunday.
"It's a great team effort. We tried to do out best, but even with the ball, they were aggressive, while we didn't show any resistance apart from Hardik, who's knock was outstanding", he said. They racked up a final-record innings of 338/4, founded on a 128-run opening stand between Fakhar Zaman, who earned his maiden one-day worldwide century with 114, and Azhar Ali, whom Fakhar ran out on 59.
They were eventually dismissed for 158 in reply to Pakistan's 338 for four, which featured Zaman's 114, the left-handed opener's maiden one-day global hundred coming in just his fourth match at this level.
Amir struck just three balls into India's reply when, after bowling two outswingers to Sharma, he had him lbw with a superb inswinger.
"Rohit, Dhawan and Kohli have been in tremendous form so I was looking for early wickets - and I did it", said Amir.
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The win also gives Pakistan their first 50 over trophy since the World Cup back in 1992, and will certainly go some way to moving them out of their current 8th spot in the world ODI rankings.
"It was about the team doing well and we have done well to be in the final", Kohli said. After losing the first game, we had no chance to lose again.
"That was an aberration". Kohli added that the team with more intensity and passion won the all-important match in London.
Asked if Pakistan's victory was a big moment for the region, he said: "I congratulated them in the post-match". We have a young team and credit to my boys.
"We want to be a little more consistent as a team but we've got a group of players here who are fantastic. Amir bowled brilliantly but all my bowlers bowled really well".
The former all-rounder asserted that the victory will remain in the hearts of the Pakistani fans for long and that the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side deserve to celebrate well beyond the Eid festival next week as the players richly deserve their victory.
"I want to congratulate Pakistan, they had an wonderful tournament, the way they turned things around, speak volumes for the talent they have".
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