Memorable quotes from Champions Trophy 2017

London, June 19: Excitement expectedly hit a fever pitch in the final week of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017, with Pakistan scoring a spectacular win over India in Sunday's (June 18) final.

CT 17 special site; Final report; Final scorecard; Team of tournament

In the title decider, which turned out to be a lopsided affair, Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs at The Oval in London.

Here are some of the more memorable quotes from the tournament

"Indeed it was very important for us as a team. Obviously nobody was rating us and they were writing us off, but once again I give all the credit to the team management for boosting us after the India game, especially our bowlers."

Sarfraz Ahmed (June 12) praises the Pakistan team management for keeping spirits high after Pakistan sealed a semi-final spot against England.

"I don't think there was any home advantage. But certainly today, coming from Edgbaston, it was obviously a big jump in pace and bounce, and too much of an ask for us to adjust to, really."

Eoin Morgan (June 14) reckons the reason England lost the semi-final against Pakistan was that they weren't able to adjust to previously used Cardiff pitch.

"I think the pitch was very good. It was good for both teams. I think we played very well and that's why we won."

Sarfraz (June 14) is very succinct in his appraisal of the pitch and how it influenced the result of the semi-final match.

"I know once you are ready mentally, anything can be possible."

Mashrafe Mortaza (June 15) chooses to dream about reaching bigger targets after Bangladesh's first ICC semi-final ended in defeat to India.

"Bowlers bowl good balls and sometimes you can't score runs. It doesn't mean you panic and play big shots and get out. We played some silly shots."

Shakib Al Hasan (June 15) is extremely unhappy at the way Bangladesh batted against Kedar Jadhav and India in the second semi-final.

"Credit to them, they've turned around things for themselves really well."

Virat Kohli (June 15) is a fan of how Pakistan have played in the tournament following their heavy loss to India in the group stage.

"We can make excuses, we can say the wicket was more favourable to Pakistan. Of course, when you're playing at home, you'd like to think conditions are going to be slightly favourable to you. But, you still have to play your best on a number of different surfaces if you are going to win a major tournament."

Joe Root (June 16) refuses to use the Cardiff pitch as an excuse for England's unexpected loss in the semi-final to Pakistan.

"It sort of feels surreal really, to be honest,"

Coach Mickey Arthur (June 18) is on another plane after Pakistan's comprehensive 180-run win over India in the final.

"Our physio, Shane Hayes, was with me the whole night. I said to him, 'I can't play tomorrow,' but he gave me protein and glucose tablets and said 'You will play tomorrow'."

Fakhar Zaman (June 18) recounts how his maiden ODI century was very close to not happening if sickness had decided to lay him low.

"Back home I am sure the roads are blocked, people are out and they're dancing even though we have Ramadan."

Shoaib Malik (June 18) has a fair idea of how the celebrations are going on back in Pakistan after their title win.

"But I was the most relieved man after he got out the next ball."

Azhar Ali (June 18) reveals his heart-rate returned to normal when Virat Kohli was caught the next ball right after he had dropped him in the final.

"We can be very proud of that as a unit, and we leave here with our heads held high because we understand the kind of expectations and pressures we face as a team"

Kohli (June 18) is delighted with India's run despite losing the final, which they entered as favourites.

"When we came here, we were No. 8. Now we are champions. Hopefully this will boost Pakistan cricket. Hopefully all countries will now visit Pakistan."

Sarfraz (June 18) hopes winning the title will help Pakistan cricket in more ways than one.

All quotes courtesy of ICC website

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