Cricket fans from Pakistan will always remember the ICC Champions Trophy 2017. Pakistan shocked the cricketing world by winning their first Champions Trophy despite starting as the lowest-ranked side. They demonstrated tenacity, tactical skill, and unwavering will during their voyage, which was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. Let’s dive into the match-by-match breakdown of how Pakistan conquered the tournament and wrote their names in history.
ICC Champions Trophy 2017
Games for the Group Stage
India’s humiliating loss in Match 1 (June 4, 2017)
At Edgbaston, Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC Champions trophy 2017 began with a crucial match against bitter rival India. Unfortunately, Pakistan lost by a humiliating 124 runs (DLS method), making the match a nightmare.
Important Points to Remember:
- With outstanding performances from Shikhar Dhawan (68), Virat Kohli (81*), and Rohit Sharma (91), India amassed a massive 319/3 in 48 overs.
- Pakistan’s bowling lacked discipline, with Wahab Riaz conceding 87 runs in 8.4 overs before leaving the field injured.
- Chasing 324 (revised target), Pakistan crumbled to 164 all out in 33.4 overs, with only Azhar Ali (50) showing resistance.
This embarrassing defeat meant Pakistan had no room for error in their remaining group matches.
Match 2: A Surgent Win on June 7, 2017 Against South Africa
With their backs to the wall, Pakistan had to defeat South Africa, the tournament favorites, at Edgbaston. They limited the Proteas to a manageable total thanks to their effective bowling attack.
Important Points to Remember:
- With an outstanding 3/24, Hasan Ali spearheaded the attack, while important wickets were taken by Imad Wasim and Junaid Khan.
- South Africa could only manage 219/8 in 50 overs.
- Rain interrupted Pakistan’s innings, but they managed to reach 119/3 in 27 overs thanks to an aggressive 31 from Fakhar Zaman and a solid 31* from Babar Azam. This was sufficient for a DLS system victory of 19 runs.
Pakistan won by 19 runs (DLS method), keeping their semi-final hopes alive in the ICC Champions trophy 2017.
Match 3: A Fantastic Victory Against Sri Lanka (June 12, 2017)
The last group stage encounter between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in Cardiff was an intense thriller. With both teams fighting for a semi-final spot, tension was at its peak.
Key Highlights:
Pakistan’s bowlers did well to bowl out Sri Lanka for 236, with Hasan Ali (3/43) and Junaid Khan (3/40) shining.
- Chasing 237, Pakistan found themselves in deep trouble at 162/7.
- Sarfaraz Ahmed played a captain’s knock of 61*, stitching a crucial 75-run partnership with Mohammad Amir.
- Pakistan secured a dramatic 3-wicket win, earning a semi-final spot in the ICC Champions trophy 2017.
Semi-Final: A Dominant Display Against England (June 14, 2017)
In Cardiff, Pakistan faced the undefeated hosts, England. While many anticipated that England would easily go to the final, Pakistan had other ideas.
Key Highlights:
- England, batting first, collapsed to 211 all out, thanks to disciplined bowling from Hasan Ali (3/35), Junaid Khan, and Rumman Raees.
- Fakhar Zaman’s fearless 57 off 58 balls set the tone for Pakistan’s chase.
- Babar Azam (38*) and Mohammad Hafeez (31*) ensured an emphatic 8-wicket victory with 77 balls to spare.
In an attempt to exact revenge for their earlier loss, Pakistan has now lined up an ideal final matchup with India.
Final: A Historic Triumph Over India (June 18, 2017)
The grand finale at The Oval was one of the most one-sided ICC finals ever, as Pakistan completely outplayed India to claim their first-ever ICC Champions trophy 2017 title.
Key Highlights:
Fakhar Zaman, given a reprieve on a no-ball, made full use of his second chance, smashing a stunning 114 off 106 balls.
- Azhar Ali (59) and Babar Azam (46) provided valuable contributions, while Mohammad Hafeez’s quickfire 57* off 37 balls took Pakistan to a commanding 338/4.
- India’s chase never took off, as Mohammad Amir bowled a fiery spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan early.
- Shadab Khan (2/60) and Hasan Ali (3/19) ended India’s innings for a mere 158 in 30.3 overs.
Pakistan defeated India by an incredible 180 runs, their largest-ever victory in an ICC competition.
Read More: ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Teams, Fixtures, Venues & Key Matches
Conclusion
In the Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan’s transformation from underdogs to winners was nothing short of a dream come true. This victory was largely due to the rise of Fakhar Zaman, the deadly bowling of Hasan Ali (13 wickets, Player of the Tournament), and the wise leadership of Sarfaraz Ahmed.
In addition to earning Pakistan their first Champions Trophy victory, this momentous victory confirmed their unexpected yet exciting character in international cricket. Pakistan can overcome any obstacle in their path, and they achieved just that in 2017.
