ICC Champions Trophy 2017: 5 individual performances that don’t fade away

Pakistan thrashed India by 180 runs in the finals of Champions Trophy 2017 to win the competition for the first time, on the back of exceptional performances from Fakhar Zaman and Hassan Ali throughout.

While India had got the better of Pakistan in the tournament opener, the neighbours extracted revenge emphatically in the summit clash. The tournament had its share of ups and downs — from rain spoilers to the top sides getting knocked out in the first round itself.

On the other hand, Bangladesh reached the semi-final of an ICC tournament for the very first time, and Pakistan won the title out of nowhere, in what was a fairytale run.

Here are 5 players from the tournament whose performances don't fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes:

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#1 Tamim Iqbal’s century against England

Before Champions Trophy 2017, Tamim Iqbal had never scored a ton in a global event. He began this campaign though with a 128 against England at the Oval. That was also the first century of this edition of the tournament but in the same game, Joe Root hit another century to help England thrash Bangladesh by eight wickets.

In his 128 off 142 balls, the southpaw hit 12 boundaries and three maximums. This was Tamim’s 9th century in One-Day Internationals, but unfortunately, it came in a losing cause.

#2 Shikhar Dhawan’s century against Sri Lanka

Dhawan scored a magnificent century in a losing cause

The opening pair of Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan put on a century stand against the Islanders, but it came in a losing cause. It was a partnership of 138 runs, but just after Dhawan got to his fifty, his partner walked back after scoring 78 off 79.

Dhawan then unleashed his wrath on the Sri Lankan bowlers. He hit 125 runs off 128 deliveries, smashing 15 fours and 1 six. He batted till the 45th over when Lasith Malinga finally sent him back. This helped Dhawan end the tournament as the highest run-getter, winning the Golden Bat.

#3 Rohit Sharma’s century against Bangladesh

Rohit Sharma guided India to victory against Bangladesh

In the second semifinal, an imperious India cruised past Bangladesh to make it to the finals, winning by nine wickets. In their chase of 265, it was Rohit Sharma who top scored with 123 runs.

The Indian opener was at his sublime best, scoring 123 not out off 129 balls (15x4, 1x6) and getting to his 11th ODI century with a six off Mustafizur Rahman. He played some fine shots that were pleasing to the eye.

#4 Hassan Ali’s spell against England

Hassan Ali picked up three huge wickets against England

Hassan Ali won the Golden Ball, showing how phenomenal he was throughout the tournament. However, it was against England in the semi-final that he looked menacing from the word go, not allowing their famed batting line-up to get going.

Ali took wickets at regular intervals, and his brilliant bowling display in the middle overs left everyone awestruck. Ali sent back Jonny Bairstow, Eoin Morgan, and Ben Stokes in his 10 overs, while giving only 35 runs. Given that a youngster dismissed big names in such a crucial fixture, Pakistan’s future looks bright.

#5 Fakhar Zaman’s knock against India in the finals

Fakhar Zaman teed off against India

Fakhar Zaman debuted for Pakistan in this edition of the Champions Trophy and took no time to step into the limelight. After scoring half centuries in both the games before the finals, he unleashed his best on the grand day, scoring his maiden ODI hundred against India.

He was dismissed in the 34th over after Pakistan had crossed the 200-run mark, but not before he brought up his 100 off just 92 balls. The left-hander smashed two sixes, one each off Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja in what was a brilliant knock under pressure on the biggest stage – something that will hold him in good stead in the future.