On This Day: Pakistan complete a stunning turnaround 

Final, versus India, won by 180 runs

25 years on, still the same aura, still the same imperfections, still the same likability

Amidst the massive support for India all over the social media and at Edgbaston alike, Pakistan once again were the underdogs heading into the decider, despite having a longer winning run in the tournament than India. Even on paper, they stood little chance against a side that boasted arguably two of the greatest ODI cricketers in Virat Kohli and MS Dhoni, and a seemingly invincible bowling line-up.

Then the contest began. Batting first for the first time in the tournament, Fakhar Zaman saw an unforeseen glimmer of freedom and went on an all-out assault against India. Well, Jasprit Bumrah crossing a line he should not have, accounted for the majority of the freedom. India had no answers to his phenomenal 114 off 106 deliveries and their premier spin twins Ravi Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja went for a wicketless 18 overs between them, leaking 137 runs.

Where they conquered the world: 1/3

A late Shoaib Malik flourish saw Pakistan reach 4/338 in their 50 overs, a breathtaking mirrored account of the first clash between the two sides. More similarities followed in their defense of the target.

Mohammad Amir, making a comeback amidst an injury cloud, trapped Rohit Sharma in front for a three-ball duck and hence avenged the opener's year-old taunt at him labeling the fast bowler "normal". But the real magic was summoned in his second over as he exposed Kohli's widely documented fallibility in perhaps the biggest match of his life. He drew an outside edge on a lovely outswinger at a fourth stump line, Kohli caught the bait and edged to third slip, where he was dropped.

Only Pakistan could do this, brilliant and painful to watch in the same ball.

What if this reprieve is the difference at the end?

Well, an inspired left-arm pacer, moreover an angry left-arm pacer, has little room for what-ifs in his mind. Next ball, he drew a leading edge with an even more menacing ball where Shadab Khan held on to the most important catch he has ever clung on to. Kohli effectively dismissed twice for 5, set the free-fall in motion.

Where they conquered the world: 2/3

Shadab set up Yuvraj with a peach of a leg-spinner and then called for an even more convincing review to have him sent back, Dhoni crumbled to Hasan Ali's unabating provocation and Hardik Pandya, who looked like inching towards a miracle comeback, fell to his own lack of communication with Jadeja to be run out.

Where they conquered the world: 3/3

And that kids, is how the cornered tigers roared again.