Published By: Sayan Guha

Champions Trophy: Eight Years On – How India Lost the 2017 Finale to PAK

From favourites to fallen – The tale of an unforgettable final

It has been eight years since India last played in a Champions Trophy final. As the cricketing world prepares for the 2025 edition in PAK and the United Arab Emirates, it’s difficult not to recall that incredible evening at The Oval in London on June 18, 2017. The day when a team that had dominated the competition failed at the last hurdle.

India has won the Champions Trophy twice: they shared the title with Sri Lanka in 2002 and defeated England in 2013 final. They had finished as runners-up in 2000 and were eager for another chance at glory. Their record against PAK in ICC tournaments had been nearly flawless, but the Champions Trophy presented a different challenge. In five meetings, India secured two victories but suffered three defeats. The most painful was the last one.

Toss and first blow: The first warning sign

Virat Kohli won the toss and, recognizing India’s strong record in chasing, chose to field first. Pakistan struggled against India in the tournament’s opening match, losing by 124 runs. The strategy was straightforward: dismiss them quickly to put pressure on their bowling attack.

But what followed was anything but simple

Jasprit Bumrah, India’s emerging speed star, had an early breakthrough—or so he believed. In the fourth over, Fakhar Zaman edged one behind, and MS Dhoni’s gloves finished the job. But wait—umpire Marais Erasmus asked for a check, and replays revealed Bumrah had overstepped. A no-ball. Fakhar, who had only scored three runs off six balls at the time, was given a second chance.

Fakhar’s blitz, India’s misfields: A score that kept growing

PAK's opening combination of Fakhar Zaman and Azhar Ali put together an impressive partnership of 128 runs in just 23 overs, effectively dismantling India's new-ball attack. Fakhar scored 114 runs off 106 balls, hitting 12 fours and three sixes.

Azhar Ali contributed with a solid 59 runs from 71 balls, while Babar Azam added 46 runs off 52 balls, maintaining a run rate of over five. Mohammad Hafeez's quick-fire 57 runs off 37 balls helped PAK finish with a formidable total of 338 for 4 in 50 overs.

India's bowlers struggled to contain the runs, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar being the only one to show some control, taking 1 wicket for 44 runs in his 10 overs. Jasprit Bumrah had an economy rate of 7.68, Ravichandran Ashwin conceded 70 runs, and Ravindra Jadeja allowed 67 runs in just 8 overs.

The chase: Amir’s wrecking ball

Chasing 339, India relied on their top order to succeed. Rohit Sharma, who had 304 runs in the tournament, was dismissed by Mohammad Amir LBW for a duck. Virat Kohli, the chase-master, got off to a rough start, being dropped at slip but then caught for five by Amir. India swiftly fell to 6/2 in 2.1 overs, with Shadab Khan dismissing Yuvraj Singh (22) and Dhoni (4) following suit. India was 54/5.

Hardik Pandya showed some fight, scoring 76 off 43 balls, but his run out in the 27th over dashed expectations. He stormed away in frustration. India was bowled out for 158 in the 31st over, losing by 180 runs, their worst ODI defeat against PAK.

PAK’s heroes, India’s what-ifs

Mohammad Amir’s 3/16 in six overs established the tone. Hasan Ali, the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 13 scalps at 13.69, cleaned up the tail, finishing with 3/19.

For India, the regrets accumulated. What if Bumrah had not overstepped? What if the top order had withstood Amir’s storm? What if Pandya found a partner?

Eight years later: Time for redemption?

As Rohit Sharma and his men prepares for the 2025 Champions Trophy, they will look to alter history. This time, however, the challenge is far more difficult. The event will take place in PAK and the UAE, home to the defending champions.

Can The Men in Blues turn the tables? Can they shake the ghosts of 2017? The answers will be revealed during a month-long fight that begins on February 19, 2025.