ICC Champions Trophy final, Ind vs Pak: Zaman ton helps Pakistan set mamoth target
London: Opener Fakhar Zaman scored a brilliant century as Pakistan posted a monstrous 339-run target for India in the high-octane Champions Trophy final here at The Oval on super Sunday.
Put into bat, the Men in Green had a perfect start as both Azhar Ali and Zaman shared a 128-run opening stand to put their team on road of a massive first innings-score.
Both the batsmen didn't spare any of the Indian bowlers, except Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and scored on all parts of the ground.
However, in a complete mix up, Ali got run out at his individual score of 59. Zaman, who made his debut in the tournament, continued his dream run as he scored his first ODI hundred. The left-hander was literally brutal as he smashed 12 fours and 3 massive sixes during the course of the innings.
In trying to up the ante, he got out but not before scoring a brilliant 114 off just 108 balls.
Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam also chipped in with handy contributions towards the end of the innings and helped their team go past 300 marks.
Hafeez smashed 3 sixes and 4 boundaries and helped Pakistan set a monstrous target of 339 runs for the Men in Blue to defend the title.
It will require some serious batting performance from Virat Kohli & Co to overcome the target.