Pakistan’s opening batter Fakhar Zaman and former fast bowler Mohammad Amir revisited their iconic performances from the ICC Champions Trophy 2017 final, where Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs to clinch their first ICC title since 2009.
In a recent episode of the show, both players reflected on their unforgettable contributions to the historic triumph.
Fakhar Zaman, whose century (114 runs) set the foundation for Pakistan’s dominant victory, shared how luck played a crucial part in his innings. The left-handed batter was dismissed early but got a reprieve due to a no-ball. Recalling that moment, Fakhar said he had casually wished for such fortune before the match.
"When I said that, it was just a casual comment during a conversation with my teammates. No one took it seriously. But when it actually happened, everyone started saying I had seen it in my dreams!" Zaman recalled with laughter.
His outstanding innings helped Pakistan post a massive total of 338 runs, leading to a memorable victory against their arch-rivals.
On the bowling front, Mohammad Amir dismantled India's top order, taking three key wickets—Rohit Sharma, Shikhar Dhawan, and Virat Kohli. His sensational spell of 3 for 16 in six overs ensured Pakistan’s dominance in the final.
Reflecting on his performance, Amir revealed that despite the pitch offering little assistance, he had a strong feeling that something special would happen.
"Honestly, that pitch wasn’t swinging much. Even in the morning, there wasn’t a lot of movement,” Amir said. “But I had this feeling that something special was going to happen. When I got Rohit out first, the energy just kept building."
He further emphasized that Kohli's dismissal was the turning point, "The moment Kohli got out, I thought, ‘We’ve won 60% of the game.’ It was a surreal feeling"
Both players also recalled the euphoric celebrations upon their return to Pakistan. Zaman remembered the overwhelming reception at the airport, where massive crowds gathered to greet the team. Amir described the unforgettable street celebrations in Karachi, as fans flooded the roads to welcome their heroes.
"I didn’t realize the magnitude of what we had achieved until we landed in Pakistan. People came from all over to celebrate with us," Fakhar said.
The 2017 Champions Trophy final remains one of Pakistan cricket’s most cherished victories. Amir and Fakhar Zaman's performances are forever etched in history.
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