Sarfraz Ahmed's last-ranked Pakistan team were pilloried after a disappointing opening Champions Trophy loss to arch-rivals India had critics doubting their progress in the tournament.
But three straight wins, including a semi-final victory over a confident England, means Pakistan are now first to qualify for Sunday's final.
And their fans are calling for a rematch against India.
Imran Khan, the legendary allrounder who guided Pakistan to victory in the 1992 World Cup final, predicts an Indo-Pak final even though Virat Kohli's men still have to overcome Bangladesh in the semi-final.
"Now the whole nation awaits our team making amends in the final against India - if they defeat Bangladesh," Khan posted on Twitter as he congratulated Pakistan on their semi-final win over England.
Pakistan were thrashed by 124 runs by defending champions India in the first group match in the eight-team tournament, but rebounded quickly to beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to qualify for their third Champions Trophy semi-finals.
Sarfraz Ahmed, seemingly lost for words after the heavy loss to India, maintained faith in the younger players in the squad and it paid off in one of the most lopsided semi-finals in the tournament's history.
The eight-wicket victory at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff was made possible with the likes of fast bowler Hasan Ali, opening batsman Fakhar Zaman and young spinner Shadab Khan.
Ali, who conceded 70 runs against India, is now a leading bowler in the tournament with 10 wickets. Zaman has provided Pakistan some electrifying starts. And Shadab's ability to control big hitters in the middle overs has helped Pakistan restrict the scoring of opponents.
"The turnaround is built on the inclusion of youngsters and it could only be done by a Pakistan team," said Ramiz Raja, an ex-Pakistan captain who now works as a cricket commentator.
"The tournament is no more about the rankings, because already No. 8 team is in the final."
Pakistan, who can be shaky when batting second, have successfully chased down in three successive matches that included Ahmed's gritty half century against Sri Lanka after Pakistan had collapsed to 7-162 while chasing a 237-run target.
Pakistan's more seasoned players like Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez are yet to fire in the tournament and have so far been overshadowed by the young performers.
Imran Khan is hopeful that the squad of 2017 can achieve a victory during the holy month of Ramadan, much like his squad did 25 years ago.
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