Five memorable Champions Trophy matches from previous editions

Top 5 Memorable Moments from Previous ICC Champions Trophy Editions

Ahead of the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy tournament in Pakistan and the UAE, let’s revisit five unforgettable moments from the history of the tournament. These moments not only defined the competition but also remain etched in the minds of cricket fans around the world.

1. 2002: India vs South Africa—Sehwag’s Heroic Spin Turns the Tide

In the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy, India faced South Africa in a thrilling semifinal at Colombo’s R Premadasa Stadium. India posted a competitive 261/9, thanks to a brilliant half-century from Virender Sehwag. However, the Proteas seemed on track to chase it down, reaching 200 with seven wickets in hand and nine overs remaining.

Enter Sehwag once again. His off-spin proved crucial as he dismissed Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, and Lance Klusener in quick succession. This inspired a dramatic turnaround as India completed the win and advanced to the final against Sri Lanka.

Match Summary:

• India’s Total: 261/9
• Key Player: Virender Sehwag (50 and 3 wickets)
• Result: India won by 3 wickets

2. 2004: West Indies vs England—Browne and Bradshaw’s Ninth-Wicket Partnership

The 2004 final at The Oval in London saw a thrilling finish as the West Indies pulled off a memorable victory over England. With 81 runs needed and only two wickets remaining, the West Indies seemed doomed. However, a stunning ninth-wicket partnership between Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw changed the course of the game.

Browne and Bradshaw combined to score an unbeaten 71, securing a remarkable victory for the West Indies with seven balls to spare. This memorable win gave the Caribbean side their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title.

Match Summary:

• England’s Total: 217 all out
• Key Players: Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw (71* partnership)
• Result: West Indies won by 2 wickets

3. 2009: South Africa vs England: England’s Stunning Win in High-Scoring Thriller

In the 2009 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy, England faced South Africa at Centurion in a match that turned into a high-scoring thriller. Owais Shah was the hero for England, smashing six sixes in a blistering innings of 98. Alongside him, James Anderson and Stuart Broad took three wickets each as England restricted South Africa’s chase.

Despite a brilliant 141 from Graeme Smith, South Africa fell short in their pursuit, allowing England to advance to the semifinals with a dramatic win.

Match Summary:

• South Africa’s Total: 299/6 (Graeme Smith 141)
• Key Player: Owais Shah (98)
• Result: England won by 22 runs

4. 2013: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka—Nail-Biting One-Wicket Victory

The 2013 Champions Trophy in Cardiff saw one of the most thrilling low-scoring matches as New Zealand managed to chase down Sri Lanka’s modest total of 138. Despite Lasith Malinga’s brilliance with the ball, which reduced New Zealand to 122/8, the Kiwis remained resilient.

Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan guided New Zealand home in a dramatic finish, securing a one-wicket victory and avoiding what would have been a major upset by Sri Lanka.

Match Summary:

• Sri Lanka’s Total: 138 all out
• Key Players: Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan
• Result: New Zealand won by 1 wicket

5. 2017: Pakistan vs India Fakhar Zaman and Amir Lead Pakistan to First Title

The 2017 Champions Trophy final at The Oval in London witnessed an unforgettable clash between archrivals Pakistan and India. Pakistan put up a commanding 338/4, largely thanks to a superb century from opener Fakhar Zaman.

Mohammad Amir was the standout performer with the ball, dismissing key Indian batsmen Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli in quick succession. India was never able to recover, and Pakistan triumphed in style, winning by 180 runs to claim their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy title.

Match Summary:

• Pakistan’s Total: 338/4 (Fakhar Zaman 114)
• Key Players: Fakhar Zaman (114) and Mohammad Amir (3 wickets)
• Result: Pakistan won by 180 runs

These iconic moments from past ICC Champions Trophy tournaments have captured the imagination of cricket fans globally. As the next edition of the tournament approaches, the anticipation is high, and fans eagerly await more unforgettable moments.