ICC Champions Trophy: 5 memorable moments from India’s Road to the Final that don't fade away

Defending champions India started their Champions Trophy group stage encounter in style by thrashing Pakistan by 124 runs. A surprise loss to Sri Lanka in their second game made things interesting as the tie vs South Africa became a do-or-die situation for both teams.

The Proteas, however, were humbled and Bangladesh suffered the same fate in the semi-final. Apart from the blip against Sri Lanka, the Indian team has delivered with both the ball and the bat to reach the final.

Here are 5 memorable moments from India’s journey to the finals that don't fade away, quite like the Axe Signature range of body perfumes.

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#1 Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan’s partnership

The opening partnership between Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan has been one of the most prolific stands in ODIs for India. The duo was largely instrumental in India’s Champions Trophy win in 2013, and in the 2017 edition, they continued from where they had left off.

Against Pakistan in the opening game, the duo stitched together 136 runs for the first wicket, building a solid foundation for a mighty score.Despite losing to Sri Lanka, the duo didn’t lose their touch as it amassed 138 runs.

Although Rohit Sharma fell early against South Africa, he picked up the pace in the semifinal against Bangladesh, where he, along with Dhawan, scored 87 before India lost the latter. Throughout India’s journey to the finals, the two have given good starts to India. Perhaps, the best is just yet to come.

#2 Yuvraj Singh’s innings against Pakistan

When Yuvraj was on the pitch, India scored 93 runs in just 58 balls

There is something about Yuvraj Singh and ICC tournaments; he seldom fails to perform on these occasions. Yuvraj ripped through the Pakistani bowlers as he scored a quick fifty in just 29 deliveries with 8 fours and 1 six.

That innings was reminiscent of Yuvraj at his peak. He had to walk back in the 47th over, but not before he did heavy damage to the Pakistani bowlers. When Yuvraj was on the pitch, India scored 93 runs in just 58 balls, scoring at a strike rate higher than 160. If not for Yuvraj’s quick-fire knock, India may not have gone beyond 300.

#3 Jasprit Bumrah’s spell against South Africa

Bumrah will be looking forward to another good day at The Oval, when India meet Pakistan in the final

Despite touring England for the very first time, and facing a virtual quarter-final vs South Africa, 23-year-old JaspritBumrah stepped up, and how!Bumrah kept probing the off-stump line and never gave room to Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock to score freely. He dismissed Chris Morris and Andile Phehlukwayo and returned with figures of 8-0-28-2.

With a decent tournament under his belt, so far, Bumrah will be looking forward to another good day at The Oval, when India meet Pakistan in the final.

#4 Captain Virat’s form

Kohli is averaging an astonishing 253 in the tournament

Virat Kohli had a disappointing IPL 10 season where he could not get going with the bat, causing worry among fans as the Champions Trophy was approaching. However, come the ICC tournament, the skipper was back in form.

Kohli is averaging an astonishing 253 in the tournament and except for the match vsSri Lanka, he performed spectacularly against all the opponents. Against Pakistan, he scored 81 off 68, while against South Africa, he mustered 76 off 101 before showing his best for the last by plundering 96 off 78 vs Bangladesh in the semis.

He has been in sublime form throughout, and through his extraordinary innings against Bangladesh, he became the fastest player to reach 8000 runs in ODIs.

#5 Kedar Jadhav’s crucial wickets against Bangladesh

Jadhav, in his second over, pegged the Tigers back

India decimated Bangladesh by nine wickets to set up a title clash against Pakistan. However, it would probably have been a battle between India’s neighbours for the title, if it wasn’t for Kedar Jadhav! The all-rounder took two crucial wickets and turned the match in India’s favour.

With Tamim Iqbal and Mushfiqur Rahim enjoying a 121-run partnership, it looked like Bangladesh were going to post a total well above 300. However, Jadhav, in his second over, pegged the Tigers back. He dismissed both Iqbal and Rahim and ensured the target was kept within limits for India to set up a mouth-watering final vs Pakistan.