Number one and nothing less

That Pakistan defeated its arch rival, India, is good news for everyone in the country. The victory of Pakistan is a matter of pride and joy for the entire nation. Undoubtedly, it is a remarkable achievement for a team which was struggling even to qualify for the final round of the Champions Trophy. The team had a bumpy start in the tournament, but it finished the game in style. Once again the opening partnership by Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali did a magic trick which helped the rest of the batsmen to set a formidable total of 338. This time, the middle order batting line-up played beautifully as well and fully supported the team. Then the fiery bowling spell by Pakistani pacers, especially Muhammad Amir, did the real damage. Although India has the strongest batting line-up, it proved to be a wall of sand before Pakistan’s steely and indomitable bowling attack that trounced, stunned and crushed the top-order batsmen, almost in a jiffy.

It is hoped that this massive win will help bring international cricket to the country. Ever since the terrorist attack on the Sri Lankan team, many international cricket teams have declined to visit and play in Pakistan. It is also hoped that this win will boost the confidence of new players. Throughout the tournament, the young players of the team kept the spectators spell bound with their marvellous performance and ability. The players must continue to work hard to bring more such titles to home.

Muhammad Fayyaz

Mianwali

*****

The Pakistan cricket team’s spectacular performance against India was a treat to watch. The country won the Champions Trophy, making the entire nation proud. The Sarfraz-led team performed brilliantly. The team gave a huge target of 338, thanks to Fakhar Zaman’s glorious 100 runs. Sarfraz dismissed the notion that India is a hard nut to crack. He made an indelible mark in the history of the Pakistan cricket by defeating India in such a remarkable manner. Pakistan won the final match by 180 runs.

The glittering performances of Hassan Ali and Fakhar Zaman have endorsed the fact that there is no dearth of talent in Pakistan. All we have to do is to discover these unsung heroes and polish them so that they could play their pivotal role in the victory of Pakistan. The strong Indian batting line-up proved to be a sand dune in front of Pakistani bowlers. Congratulations Pakistan.

Naqeeb Hussain

Parachinar Kurram Agency

*****

The Pakistan cricket team has won the Champions Trophy 2017. The team easily defeated the arch rival, India. The team displayed a stunning performance. The young and exuberant team of Pakistan simply outclassed the Indian giants in every faculty of the game – batting, bowling, and even fielding. What a game it was! The Indian team was left totally perplexed by the scintillating performance of the Pakistan team. They could hardly imagine that Pakistan would beat them with such a big margin. They also admitted that Pakistan’s performance was matchless in all respect. The professionalism demonstrated by each and every member of the Pakistani team has undoubtedly left an indelible mark in the history of international cricket.    

The people of Pakistan in particular and cricket enthusiasts across the world, who have been longing to see such an outstanding performance, were all praise for the Pakistani team. The accolade showered on the winning Pakistani team by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, the President of Pakistan, the Chief of the Army staff, the Air Chief and, above all, the people of Pakistan and cricket lovers from across the world is very well deserved. The entire nation salutes them for bringing the Champions Trophy to the country. The team has truly made Pakistan proud.

M Fazal Elahi

Islamabad