It might seem as the lender of the last resort, but in times when nothing was going India’s way, it was a
run out which finally got the team its first breakthrough. Pakistan began the final on a dream note as
Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman put on a century stand to propel the team to a great advantage.
The openers, however, were helped by some sloppy Indian fielding and some luck.
Luck played a crucial role in Pakistan’s superb start as southpaw Fakhar Zaman was caught behind on
the bowling of Jasprit Bumrah but on a no ball. That no ball went on to haunt India massively as the
openers opened their shoulders once they were well set. There was a flurry of boundaries and both the
openers soon got to their personal milestones of the 50 run mark.
In the 22nd over, Pakistan was simply cruising ahead with both the spinners looking extremely helpless.
Ashwin and Jadeja failed to create any impact and looked just to contain, which wasn’t the right
strategy. A wicket was desperately needed to stop the Pakistani onslaught.
However, on the last ball of the 23 rd over, India’s prayers were answered as a horrible mix-up between
Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman led to the dismissal of Ali. Ali turned the ball towards the leg side and was
ball watching, in which he lost communication with his partner. That led to him being stranded at one end.
Below, is the video of that dismissal:
— N Murali Krishna (@YoYoNmk) June 18, 2017