Pakistan soar to 338 with Zaman, Hafeez
Pakistan soar to 338 with Zaman, Hafeez
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LONDON: A magnificent maiden ton by young batting sensation Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to 338 in the Champions Trophy finale against India at The Oval on Sunday.

LONDON: A magnificent maiden ton by young batting sensation Fakhar Zaman powered Pakistan to 338 in the Champions Trophy finale against India at The Oval on Sunday.

Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez kept the runs coming as they lifted Pakistan to this tournament’s highest total. Hafeez reached his fifty while Imad sneaked in some quick runs.

Veteran batsman Shoaib Malik departed after a lacklustre 12 off 16 balls, and Babar Azam followed shortly afterwards as Pakistan tried to keep the momentum going after Fakhar Zaman’s quickfire 114 in the Champions Trophy finale at The Oval on Sunday.

Babar Azam picked up from where young batting sensation Fakhar Zaman left after scoring his maiden ODI ton. Babar was however deprived of his fifty after he was dismissed at 46 off Jadhav’s delivery and Yuvraj’s catch.

Fakhar hit 12 fours and three sixes in his magnificent knock, before getting caught off Hardik Pandya’s delivery by Jadeja in the deep.

Pakistan’s 100+ opening stand was broken as Azhar Ali was run out after a misunderstanding at 59, leaving Pakistan one down for 128.

Azhar and Fakhar Zaman both smashed fifties, seeing Pakistan off to a soaring start as India rued missed chances after winning the toss and choosing to field.

Fakhar was given a second life when he was caught behind off a no-ball by Bumrah earlier in the inning.

The cricketing world’s biggest match will decide the Champions Trophy title, as archrivals Pakistan and India reignite rivalry yet again after facing off in their group game on June 4.

Title-holders India, who thrashed Pakistan by 124 runs in their opening group match, were unchanged from the side that hammered Bangladesh by nine wickets in Thursday´s semi-final at Birmingham´s Edgbaston.

But Pakistan made one change, with the fit-again Mohammad Amir, who missed Wednesday´s impressive eight-wicket semi-final win over previously unbeaten tournament hosts England with a back spasm, returning.

Amir replaced fellow left-arm quick Rumman Raees, who marked his one-day international debut with two wickets against England.

India´s lone loss so far in this tournament, featuring the world´s top eight ODI nations, was at The Oval when they suffered a surprise seven-wicket defeat by Sri Lanka on June 8.