Pakistan dominate Champions Trophy team of the tournament

"I am confident that the faith and trust of the Pakistan cricket team will be strengthened with this performance of the side", Sarfraz said.

"These two lads, plus (leg-spinner) Shadab Khan, are the future of Pakistan cricket and I sincerely hope they will only go in the upward direction from here".

Sarfraz was chosen as the captain following his inspirational leadership during the 18-day tournament that was the cornerstone of his team's 180-run victory over India.

"We showed great character". This was a reversal they couldn't bear to watch any longer.

India were strong favourites after beating Pakistan easily during the group stages but captain Kohli said luck was not on their side. The turnaround was a triumph for Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed, who impressed in his triple role of wicketkeeper, batsman and skipper. But also the fans not identifying with heroes because they just don't see worldwide cricket.

But he put that behind him here with a magical spell of three for 16 in his first five overs, removing India's top three batsmen - first Rohit Sharma, then Virat Kohli, followed by Shikhar Dhawan.

"Victory in the final has its own significance, it has added to the confidence of the little known players who performed superbly, it has given new identity to the team after losing to India", they said.

"It's a very important boost for us to win this". It read, "We are the champions".

"So that's fantastic. But the credit goes to the players".

Ahmed's squad overcame a awful start in the event - beaten by 124 runs in the first group match by India - to beat South Africa, Sri Lanka and England on the way to the championship match.

The country has a tradition of producing exciting fast bowling talent and 25-year-old Mohamed Amir and Junaid Khan, 27, can be expected to spearhead the pace attack at the next World Cup. Whether that gets changed, the consideration has been given to changing to two T20s in a four-year cycle which would mean swapping the Champions Trophy for a World T20.

"It's been an up and down ride for us but I'm so proud of the boys", Arthur said. We're happy with the brand of cricket we're playing.

The 50-over World Cup will be contested with just 10 teams from 2019 in England. We've got the monkey off our back in terms of qualifying.

"Tournament play is all about peaking at the right time and after a poor start to the tournament, most pundits gave it no chance of winning. That's the aim at the moment".