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“They were more intense and more passionate,” says Kohli after India’s final defeat against Pakistan

LONDON: India captain Virat Kohli has praised arch-rivals’ performance in the final of Champions Trophy saying that Pakistan have proved that they were unbeatable.

Kohli, who opted to field first after winning the toss against Pakistan in the final yesterday, said the pressure created by Pakistan’s bowlers proved too much for his teammates to handle in a stunning 180-run defeat at The Oval.

Sarfraz’s side posted an imposing total of 338 for four featuring Fakhar Zaman’s maiden one-day international hundred. It all left India needing to set new tournament record for a team batting second to win if they were to retain the title they won in England four years ago.

The already considerable scoreboard pressure became impossible for India to cope with when Mohammad Amir reduced them to 33 for three.

“They made us make those mistakes with the way they were bowling, creating that pressure,” Kohli told reporters in a post-match press conference.

“As a bowler and as a captain when that is happening … sometimes you have to sit and say ‘the guy is good enough on the day to tackle anything’,” he added.

Kohli also congratulated green shirts on their win and admitted that they lack teamwork in the final.

“It was disappointing. Congos to Pakistan. The way they turned things around, it was amazing. They can upset anyone on their day,” he said.

“I have a smile on my face because I am very proud of the boys. Credit to Pakistan. They outplayed us. They were more intense and more passionate. With the ball, we could have had more wicket-taking opportunities. Sometimes, the opposition does play very well. Even with the ball, they were very aggressive,” the 28-year-old added.

M M Alam

M. M. Alam is a Pakistan-based working journalist since 1981. Karachi University faculty gold medalist Alam began his career four decades ago by writing for Dawn, Pakistan’s highest circulating English daily. He has worked for region’s leading publications, global aviation periodicals including Rotors (of USA) and vetted New York Times as permanent employee of daily Express Tribune. Alam regularly covers international aviation and defense-related events including Salon Du Bourget (France), Farnborough (United Kingdom), Dubai (UAE). Alam has reported thousands of events and interviewed hundreds of people in Pakistan, UAE, EU, UK and USA. Being Francophone Alam also coordinates with a number of French publications.