On Sunday, arch-rivals India-Pakistan clashed for the title of ICC Champions trophy in London. The much-publicised clash was viewed by millions of fans across the world. While the pre-match calculations were pretty much in favour of India, it was the unpredictable Pakistan team which dominated the game entirely.
Pakistan’s stunning 180-run victory over India in Oval on Sunday was, not surprisingly, hailed by Pakistani media.
Major Pakistani publications ran the Pakistan’s victory as banner on Monday.
Dawn
For Pakistan’s oldest English daily Dawn, the meaning of Pakistan’s success and the road that lead to it, wasn’t lost.
The newspaper was also sharp in summing up the game: Eighth ranked team lifts Champions trophy, Fakhar Zaman scores scintillating century and Amir decapitates Indian batting line-up.
Express Tribune
Calling Pakistan’s victory creation of history, Express Tribune focused on the failed predictions regarding Pakistani cricket team following their defeat in their first match against India in Edgbaston.
“Having been all but written off after their Champions Trophy opener with India, Pakistan consummated a seminal odds-defying turnaround to clinch the tournament with a whopping 180-run victory over their South Asian arch-rivals on Sunday,” the newspaper’s lead report said.
The Nation
The Nation dedicated its entire front page to Pakistan’s win with a banner photograph of Pakistani cricket team holding the champions trophy wearing signatory white-jacket.
“Equally importantly, it[Pakistan] also got the monkey off its back as it was the first time it defeated India in an ICC event since 2009, and only the third time ever. It meant it ended the tournament in stark contrast to how it had started it, when it was on the other side of the result as the sides met in a group game,” the report said.
The newspaper also highlighted Pakistani captain Sarfaraz Ahmad’s wish of international cricket returning to Pakistan.
The News International
“Pakistan sizzled at the sun-baked Oval on their way to their greatest 50-over triumph since the 1992 World Cup as they thrashed much-fancied India, the defending champions, by a whopping 180 runs. It seemed that Pakistan, who were outclassed by India in a 124-run win in an earlier game of the tournament, were saving their best for the last,” the newspaper said.
The News International also gave front-page space to Indian skipper Virat Kohli’s impressive take on Pakistan’s victory.
Daily Times
As compared to other Pakistani newspapers, Daily Times simply went ahead with the headline ‘Champions.’ The newspaper also called the victory as re-writing of history books.
“India needed to harness the full power of their batting machinery to eclipse Pakistan’s mammoth score. But they failed in their quest,” the report said.
Pakistan Observer
Pakistan Observer credited Fakhar Zaman’s maiden ODI century and a “breath-taking spell of new ball” bowling by Mohammad Amir in crushing arch-rivals India in the final to take home ICC Champions Trophy for the first time.
The Observer also highlighted the massive number of reactions from Pakistani government quarters over the team’s win in the final.
“Players and management of the team deserve the nation’s profound gratitude and appreciation for their remarkable performances displayed today,” the newspaper quoted a statement from the office of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.
Feature image source: ScoopWhoop