"I'm sure the nation of Pakistan is really happy tonight because they deserve it. Let's hope this really kick-starts the momentum in Pakistan again". I was telling somebody the other day that I have had five semi- finals with South Africa and never got to a final. The Times of India, for instance, chose to highlight India's 7-1 victory over Pakistan in a Hockey Word League game that was also being played in London on Sunday.
The ICC Team of the Champions Trophy 2017 includes seven players from the two finalists - India and Pakistan.
"The way he batted today and the way he bowled and the way he fielded, that's exactly why we back him, because he can be the match-winner for us in situations where the team is in trouble", said Kohli.
The last time Pakistan won a major 50-over ICC tournament was also during Ramadan, the Muslim holy month, when Imran Khan led his team over England in the 1992 final at Melbourne, Australia.
Specifically pointing out the performance of Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, Sarfraz said he was quite glad with the way they performed in the tournament and guided Pakistan to victory. They can upset anyone on their day", the Indian skipper said, adding "Credit to Pakistan.
"It was about the team doing well and we have done well to be in the final", Kohli said.
The Pakistan Observer called the team not just champions, but "legendary champions".
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The United Arab Emirates has become Pakistan's cricketing home in recent years but a World XI is scheduled to tour their country in September for three Twenty20 games.
"It's disappointing for us but I have a smile on my face because I'm very proud of how we've played in this tournament". We've got a group of young players who are fantastic.
Pakistan, who had lost all three of their previous matches against India in the knockout stages of International Cricket Council tournaments and started this event the lowest ranked of the eight teams involved, were now on the brink of a sensational win.
"With the ball, we could have had more wicket-taking opportunities".
But a brilliant century by Fakhar Zaman laid the foundations for an imposing total of 338 for four and Mohammad Amir came up with a devastating opening spell to rip out the cream of India's batting, Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan.
Indian all-rounder, Hardik Pandya, gave a brief flicker of hope to the Blue Shirts, handily knocking 76 runs off 43 balls.
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