Former captains back Pakistan to win trophy

Moin, Salman believe Men in Green’s win over England means they have momentum on their side

KARACHI: As the world’s eighth-ranked team reaches the final of the ICC Champions Trophy, hopes to continue to rise that Pakistan can pull off the most dramatic of wins at The Oval on Sunday.

Three consecutive wins, including an incredible semi-final victory over hosts and favourites England, meant Pakistan became the first team to qualify for the title clash.

Former skipper Moin Khan praised the team, saying they were outstanding in all three departments. “The team not only won the match but also dominated England in terms of batting, bowling and fielding,” he said, while talking to The Express Tribune. “It is a great achievement for them to do so at the opponent’s home ground.”

The World Cup winning wicketkeeper feels every player did his job, rather than one or two players delivering the win. “Every player played their role in an excellent manner and at the right time, which was great to see,” he said.

Moin did, however, have special praise for the youngsters that have impressed in the tournament so far.

The opening partnership of 118 between Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali particularly pleased Moin, with their contrasting styles complimenting each other. “Zaman gave the team a brilliant start to the chase and he was well supported by Azhar’s assured batting display.”

Pakistan were trounced by India in their opening, failing to even put up a fight as the arch-rivals won by a whopping 124 runs. However, Moin believes Pakistan have nothing to fear now.

“There won’t be pressure on the team now since they go into the final on the back of three straight matches,” he said. “India also come into the final with momentum behind them but it will be a much closer match this time around.”

Another former captain, in the shape of Salman Butt, was left praising skipper Sarfraz Ahmed and his utilisation of the players at his disposal. “Sarfraz was excellent as a captain. He made the right decisions at the right time,” he said. “His bowling changes were superb and it was good to see that the fielding and his wicket-keeping supported the bowlers.”

Salman, an opener himself, also praised the opening partnership. “The opening partnership was brilliant and its effect on the team was clear to see; the entire body language of the batsmen changed from there on in,” he said. “This is what we would require in the final to claim the title.”

Moin’s praise for youngsters was also echoed by Salman, who believes Pakistan have a bright future on their hands considering the youngsters that have emerged.

“I have full confidence in the team right now and I believe they can bring the trophy home,” he said. “At the beginning of the tournament, Pakistan was the most unfancied team of the lot and everyone lost whatever little hope they had after that India defeat. But since then the team has defied all its critics and I see no reason why they can’t win the final as well.”