Set against the backdrop of a troubled and violent decade in the country's history, the nation's triumph in cricket's Champion's Trophy doesn't neatly fit the mold of typical cinderella stories in sport.
Fakhar Zaman's maiden century and Mohammad Amir's devastating spell helped Pakistan crush India by 180 runs with 19.3 overs to spare.
Old rivals Pakistan and India will play in the ICC Champions Trophy final on Sunday. It is expected to be watched by millions of viewers from around the world.
India beat Bangladesh by nine wickets in a Champions Trophy semifinal match at Edgbaston, advancing to the final against Pakistan:
Pakistan bowled and fielded tightly to restrict the hosts to a paltry total of 211 all out and the lowest-ranked team in the tournament knocked off the runs in style with a massive 12.5 overs to spare.
Pakistan overcame a familiar attack of batting nerves to beat Sri Lanka by three wickets in a see-saw Group B game.
India crushed South Africa by eight wickets to reach the Champions Trophy semi-finals.
Australia, whose two previous games against New Zealand and Bangladesh were rained off, scored 277/9 from 50 overs.
Joe Root top-scored with an impressive 64 as England posted an all-out score of 310. In reply, New Zealand could only put 223 on scoreboard.
Title-holders India beat arch-rivals Pakistan by 124 runs in their rain-affected Group B Champions Trophy opener.
Sri Lanka, chasing 300 for victory, started brightly but were soon in trouble after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Rain rescued Australia who were struggling to reach a tough target set by New Zealand in the ICC Champions Trophy fixture. The match was called off with both teams taking a point each.
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