With venue drama at the fore, cricket fans are now eagerly waiting for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Given strained relations that dictate that India-Pakistan clashes must be held at neutral venues, Pakistan has recently confirmed the UAE as the host for these marquee encounters. This hybrid model designed to navigate political complexities has heightened anticipation for a potential showdown between two cricketing giants.
It’s just the right time to bring back to memory their momentous battle in the match of the 2017 Champions Trophy final—the India vs Pakistan game etched among the minds of every single cricketing enthusiast.
Champions Trophy 2017 highlights
Hosted by The Oval in London, June 18, 2017 was an uncharacteristic final. The Pakistan team looked like it had little but came up as the big performers under the scintillating skills of team captain Sarfraz Ahmed. To bat first, Pakistan successfully presented 338/4 in the allotted 50 overs.
Then came the new name on the block, Fakhar Zaman, who took center stage by plundering an unbeaten 114 in 106 balls. His fellow batsman Azhar Ali’s prudent 59 also helped Pakistan to score big. Mohammad Hafeez hammered a lightning-fast 57*.
India looked more than equal to chase down the deficit with the array of superstars it boasted in their batting order. Mohammad Amir had different ideas. In a fiery opening spell, Amir dismissed India’s top three—Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan—reducing them to 33/3.
The collapse continued as Hasan Ali, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker, and Shadab Khan chipped in with crucial breakthroughs. Hardik Pandya offered a glimmer of hope with a blistering 76 off 43 balls, but a mix-up with Ravindra Jadeja ended his valiant knock.
India folded for 158 in just 30.3 overs, and Pakistan declared a resounding 180-run victory, the first Champions Trophy title. Fakhar Zaman took the Player of the Match for his century and Hasan Ali for his 3-wicket haul was crowned Player of the Series.
Watch Pakistan vs India Champions Trophy 2017 final highlights
That day in London, Pakistan turned the tide of a tournament that seemed to be a lost cause after their initial defeat at the hands of India. The win depicted their fighting spirit and stands as a cherished memory in the hearts of their fans.
Also, see: PCB finalizes neutral venue for Champions Trophy 2025 for India matches