Title-holders India will play arch-rivals Pakistan in the final of the Champions Trophy after beating Bangladesh by nine wickets in a semi-final at Edgbaston on Thursday.
The Oval will be bursting with vibrant supporters of both sides while every television from Mumbai to Multan will surely be relaying the action to the devoted millions of fans back home. It should be quite an occasion here and there.
India thrash Bangladesh to reach ICC Champions Trophy final – as it happened Over-by-over report: Rohit Sharma makes a brilliant century and Virat Kohli unbeaten on 96 as India chase down Bangladesh’s total with ease to set up final with Pakistan
There was also a buzz at Edgbaston, but not much tension since the passage of India into the final was stately and untroubled. The old order was calmly confirmed as India won by nine wickets with 59 balls to spare. This was an emphatic, stress‑free victory for Virat Kohli’s side. On an enticing batting pitch, where the bounce was more generous and predictable than in Cardiff, the target of 265 was nowhere near enough.
Pakistan made the final on Wednesday by stunning England by eight wickets in their semi-final.
