Here’s Why Virat Kohli Said He’s Still “Smiling” After Loss to Pak

India lost the Champions Trophy final to Pakistan by 180 runs.

Virat Kohli and Yuvraj Singh after the match. (Photo: AP)

Praising Pakistan for their brilliant all-round performance in the Champions Trophy final on Sunday, Indian skipper Virat Kohli said the green brigade can upset any team on their day.

Pakistan dominated with both bat and ball to thrash defending champions India by a massive 180 runs and lift the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy.

This was the first Champions Trophy title for Pakistan. The south Asian nation claimed their third ICC tournament, having earlier won the 50-over World Cup in 1992 and the World Twenty20 in 2009.

"It was disappointing. Congratulations to Pakistan. The way they turned things around, it was amazing. They can upset anyone on their day. I have a smile on my face because I am very proud of how our team played. 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," said Virat Kohli after the match.

Pakistan players celebrate after beating India for 180 runs to win the ICC Champions Trophy final. (Photo: Reuters)

Kohli also praised young all-rounder Hardik Pandya, who was the highest scorer for India with 76 runs off 43 balls. In the process, he scored the fastest half-century in a world One-Day International (ODI) final, reaching the landmark in 32 deliveries with three consecutive sixes off leg-spinner Shadab Khan.

"Hardik played well. Small margins can be massive in cricket. We need to move on and learn from our mistakes," Kohli said.