If you thought at the mid innings mark that England could potentially make a staunching comeback into the game due to a typical Pakistani collapse, then you were grossly mistaken! Known to be a side with fickle minded batsmen, unable to chase scores under pressure, the men in green broke a serious stereotype by simply strolling to their target of 212, without any hassles.
Playing without any fear of the required run rate, Fakhar Zaman led the show again with an attractive half century. The opener was entertaining in his approach as he went after the English bowling right away. The two openers put on their first ever century stand together and with Zaman bashing England at one end, Azhar Ali too found some form in the middle.
Just as Zaman looked all set for a maiden century, he was outfoxed by a googly from Adil Rashid and was stumped. That however, didn’t bother Pakistan’s chase a bit as Ali soon got to his half century. Babar Azam impressed with his outing and struck form ahead of the all important final.
With Pakistan as one of the teams in the final, either India or Bangladesh will join them for the final. All in all, it will be an Asian side, lifting the title in England. Fans on Twitter were jubilant with Pakistan winning, and below are some of the tweets.
You make us proud team Pakistan! What a stunning comeback after first loss, silencing/shocking critics. Such a joy. Pakistan Zindabad ??
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) June 14, 2017
Guess what.. it's a Red hot Pakistan that has turned up today … Looking a million $$$$ !!! Far too hot for the best team going around ATM
— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) June 14, 2017
Expect the unexpected from Pakistan. Can understand the bowling performance but this batting resolve was a pleasant surprise. #CT17 #ENGvPAK
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 14, 2017
Pakistan have been calm, composed and organised; they have been opposite to every stereotype assigned to them.
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 14, 2017
This should be nice and comfortable chase.
1 wicket win I think #PAKvENG #CT17
— Big Nas (@NasirJamshed_) June 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/kamaalrkhan/status/875010924079226880
Rumman Raees is first bowler in ODI history to take a wicket while making debut in a semi-final match, finishes with figures 9-0-44-2.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 14, 2017
No longer an upset, just heading towards a one-sided game
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 14, 2017
England's best hope now is for the children of Pakistani immigrants to somehow spin them to victory #ENGvPAK #CT17
— Gaurav Kalra (@gauravkalra75) June 14, 2017
Pakistan is doing its bit to officially convert #CT17 into Asia Cup. Some measured batting after a great show with the ball. #CT17 #EngvPak
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) June 14, 2017
Good To See Nalayak Beta Working So Hard To Meet Daddy In Finals. Feeling Like A Proud Dad. #BaapBetaFinalMe ???#ENGvPAK #PAKvENG #CT17
— Sir Jadeja fan (@SirJadeja) June 14, 2017
Hey @bazidkhan81 Wales should be Pakistan's home venue not Dubai! #CT17 #PakvEng
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 14, 2017
Pakistan have been magnificent..Love watching them play..btw..the abuse all you Pakistan fans are giving me is making me chuckle !! #CT17
— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) June 14, 2017
Looks like a different pitch altogether for Pakistan who are treating England's bowling with disdain. Surely, Pakistan won't slip up? #CT17
— Alan Wilkins (@alanwilkins22) June 14, 2017
Hasan Ali is one extremely skillful and intelligent bowler. Gujranwala has finally gives us something apart from Pehalwans and Chirrays.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 12, 2017
Have England got four bowlers or is it the same bowler with four different actions?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 14, 2017
Ben Stokes batted 64 balls without hitting a boundary. Last England batsman with 64 or more balls without 4/6 was Collingwood (71b) in 2010.
— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 14, 2017
Great spell of bowling by @RealHa55an 10/3/35 and he's given Pakistan a great chance of winning. #ENGvPAK #CT17 #OSNCT17
— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) June 14, 2017
Quite an inspired display by Pak-As unabashed follower o underdog am enjoying ball ruling the roost-Ind v Pak on 18th distinct possibility?!
— Bishan Bedi (@BishanBedi) June 14, 2017
If Pakistan go through, this will be the first time that 2 Asian teams will play an ICC 50-over tournament final in England #ENGvPAK #CT17
— Cricbuzz (@cricbuzz) June 14, 2017
70 years later History repeats again,but in Cricket.
British exit,leaving behind Akhand Bharath. #ENGvPAK #CT17 #ChampionsTrophy2017— Vinyas Shetty (@vinyasshetty) June 14, 2017
https://twitter.com/kiranraza_01/status/875018691557117953
Pakistan must be buyont after winning today. Have gathered some momentum. India would have to play really well to beat them #ENGvPAK #CT17
— shailesh thakur (@shaileshrahul) June 14, 2017
#ENGvPAK Mickey Arthur from zero to hero!! Just when I have up on anything wearing green in cricket
— Eric (@EricRobin81) June 14, 2017