Babar Azam Recalls Champions Trophy 2017 Final Victory Against India

Ahead of the ICC Men's Champions Trophy 2025 opener against New Zealand on Wednesday, Pakistan batter Babar Azam recalled his favourite memories from the Champions Trophy 2017 final, where his team came up better against the arch-rivals India at The Oval, lifting the trophy for the first time. The 2017 competition helped Babar announce himself on the international scene. In the final, the right-hand batter played 46 from 52 balls against Men in Blue which helped Pakistan to a 180-run win which remained etched in the national cricketing consciousness.

"As a player, I am very excited, and all the fans are excited," Babar said, as quoted by an ICC media release.

Babar also acknowledged the crucial roles played by centurion Fakhar Zaman and the fiery spells by Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali that sealed the game for Pakistan.

"My primary memories of the 2017 final are Fakhar Zaman's innings (of 114), the spell of Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali's spell and the winning moment. For me, it was a new journey as I was a young player. Playing against India, that excitement and the nervousness was there but when we won, we enjoyed and celebrated," Babar said.

"A lot has changed since the Champions Trophy was held in 2017. We have new players coming, we only have three or four players who were part of that winning team. But the belief, confidence and execution are the same," he added.

The Men in Green start the tournament against the Blackcaps today. The match will include two of the biggest names in the competition, with Babar set to face Kiwi star Kane Williamson.

Joe Root, Steve Smith and Virat Kohli are part of the respective England, Australia and India squads, but Babar stands in a league of his own in ODI cricket, heading into this