As far as dream match-ups in cricket go, Sunday at Champions Trophy is all anyone could ask for. Defending Champions India will take on first-time finalists Pakistan, for the second time in three weeks.
In the 4 June fixture, India finished on top courtesy a 124-run (D/L) victory but Sunday could be an altogether different story, with Pakistan riding on a wave of confidence following big wins over South Africa, Sri Lanka and hosts England.
But while there is time to discuss the most-awaited tie, here’s a look at how India booked their spot in the final. A 9 wicket win over Bangladesh that didn't always look like it would end India’s way.
Here are 5 key highlights from the match.
1. Bhuvi’s Early Strikes
31/2 in the seventh over was the score after Bangladesh were put into bat and Bhuvneshwar Kumar had weaved his magic in his opening spell. Soumya Sarkar and then Sabbir Rahman back in the hut and it looked like this was going to be another early finish for India.
2. Tiger’s Fight Back
Playing possibly the biggest match of their cricketing history, The Tigers bounced back. Tamil Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim defied, then frustrated the Indian bowlers to add 123 runs in 21.1 overs. With the two going strong, Bangladesh’s projected score was coming to 310
3. Jadhav’s Surprise Spell
Just 30 overs and 6 wickets to his name before this match but Kedar Jadhav was then handed the ball. That piece of brilliance by Dhoni and Virat together could well be why India are on the winning end tonight. 2/22 in 6 overs from Jadhav, including the big scalps of Tamim for 70 and Mushfiqur for 61. India needed 265 to win
4. Dhawan Surpasses Ganguly
Out walked Rohit and Shikhar but this time it was the Mumbai batsman that outlasted his partner. Dhawan got out on 46, still managing to surpass Sourav Ganguly as India’s highest run-scorer in the champions trophy but Rohit soldiered on
5. Virat/Rohit Guide India Home
Along with Virat Kohli, Rohit added an amazing 178 for the second wicket. Smashing his 11th ODI century on the way. Virat too breaking a record of his own - now the fastest cricketer - in terms of matches - to score 8000 ODI runs. Some time after all the record -breaking, India crossed the finish line. Virat 4 shy of his century. Doubt he’ll be thinking of that though.
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