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As the world gears up for yet another thrilling India vs Pakistan encounter in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, memories of their last showdown in the tournament still linger. The 2017 final at The Oval was a clash for the ages—one that saw Pakistan script one of their most dominant performances against India in an ICC event.
The Night That Belonged to Pakistan
Going into the final, India was the clear favorite. The team had crushed Pakistan in the group stage, and with a star-studded batting lineup featuring Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, and MS Dhoni, a repeat of their dominance was expected. However, Pakistan had other plans.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan found an early stroke of luck when Fakhar Zaman was dismissed off a Jasprit Bumrah delivery, only for the umpire to call it a no-ball. Given a second life, the left-handed opener made India pay in the most brutal way possible. He smashed a blistering 114 off 106 balls, putting Pakistan in the driver’s seat. Supported by Azhar Ali’s steady 59 and Babar Azam’s crucial 46, Pakistan posted an imposing 338/4.
Amir’s Magic and India’s Collapse
In response, India needed a strong start, but Mohammad Amir had other ideas. The left-arm pacer produced one of the most lethal spells in Pakistan’s cricket history, dismissing:
- Rohit Sharma for a duck
- Virat Kohli for 5
- Shikhar Dhawan for 21
India was in shambles at 33/3, and their hopes rested on MS Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh. But the duo fell to Shadab Khan and Hasan Ali, leaving the Men in Blue reeling at 72/6.
Hardik Pandya’s fightback was the only bright spot in India’s innings. The all-rounder smashed a rapid 76 off 43 balls, laced with six sixes, giving fans a brief moment of hope. But a miscommunication with Ravindra Jadeja led to his run-out, effectively sealing India’s fate.
India crumbled for 158 all out, handing Pakistan a massive 180-run victory—their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title.
The Legacy of 2017 and 2025’s Showdown
That night, Pakistan broke India’s ICC dominance, leaving an unforgettable mark in cricket history. Fast forward to 2025, and the two giants are set to clash again—this time in Dubai under a hybrid model due to political tensions.
India might have the upper hand based on recent form, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that Pakistan thrives as the underdog. Will they pull off another shocker, or will India settle the score?
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