Champions Trophy belongs to Pakistan: Younis Khan

Elated with the thumping victory against India, Pakistan skipper Younis Khan has declared that the ICC Champions Trophy belongs to his country and he will leave no stone unturned to get it back.

"This Trophy was originally scheduled to be held in Pakistan. We were the real hosts. My nation wants it back and we are ready to give our hundred percent to get it back for the country," The News quoted Khan, as saying.

Pakistan has never reached the final of the Champions Trophy, but Khan expressed optimism that this time his team might get lucky.

"We have never reached the final and I think it is a good opportunity to go on to win the prestigious title. It is a good chance and we are only three games away from winning it. Our country needs a few more titles like this Trophy," he added.

He praised Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Yousuf for their sensible game in the middle.

"We owe the victory to both of them. Their innings have given us tremendous boost. They stuck to their job well and that turned out to be real difference."

"I knew it very well that anything around 300 would provide a good opportunity for Pakistan to wrap up the match. Even a score of 270 would have been a fighting one. If you look at the records under lights on this ground such targets have not been chased."

He admitted that India had their chances in the match.

"Gautam Gambhir was playing brilliantly and when (Suresh) Raina was playing with Rahul Dravid, things were getting dangerous. We are very lucky that he got run out. I was getting the feeling that if he continues to bat like he was he could take the game away from us."