Pakistan, India face off in historic cricket final

By Abdul Gani and Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan/GUWAHATI, India (AA) - For the first time, neighboring Asian cricket superpowers, Pakistan and India, will play in the Champions Trophy final, one of the major global cricket tournaments conducted by International Cricket Council (ICC).

India has won the trophy twice two time while this is the first time Pakistan reaches the final, which will be played at the Oval in London.

In all big cities of Pakistan, cricket lovers and associations have already installed big screens in public squares. The match will begin at 0930GMT.

Speaking to Anadolu Agency over the phone, Pakistan legend cricketer Kamran Akmal said the Pakistani performance in the tournament had been tremendous as they won matches against the big teams, even defeating England on their home ground.

"We have very good bowling and batting line and they have the ability to win the ICC Champion Trophy," Akmal hoped.

Team India had so far defeated South Africa and Bangladesh but lost to Sri Lanka.