With the ICC Champions Trophy coming to Pakistan and the UAE in its highly-awaited return, cricket enthusiasts are abuzz with anticipation. Over the years, the tournament has yielded some of the most iconic moments that are forever imprinted on cricketing history. Here are five moments that stand out and shape the Champions Trophy legacy.
1. India vs South Africa, 2002 – Sehwag’s All-Round Brilliance
In the 2002 semi-final, India was locked in a tight struggle against South Africa in Colombo. Batting first, India scored 261/9, courtesy of an important half-century by Virender Sehwag. Yet, South Africa appeared to be coasting at 200/3 with nine overs still left. Sehwag, who was known for his aggressive batting, turned things around with his off-spinner, dismissing mainstays Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis, and Lance Klusener. His heroics guaranteed a nail-biting Indian win and a place in the final.
2. West Indies vs England, 2004 – The Last-Wicket Miracle
The 2004 final at The Oval witnessed a dramatic comeback by the West Indies. While chasing 218, they were reeling at 147/8 when Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw came together to fashion a match-winning 71-run stand. In a show of great poise, they led West Indies to victory with seven balls remaining, claiming their first Champions Trophy title in style.
3. England vs South Africa, 2009 – Owais Shah’s Power Show
In a thrilling high-scoring match at Centurion, England battled host country South Africa. Owais Shah took the limelight with a fiery 98, hitting six sixes to set England up for a commanding score. South Africa captain Graeme Smith resisted with a gallant 141, but England bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad closed the match with key wickets, advancing England to the semi-finals.
Read More: ICC Clarifies Champions Trophy Logo Controversy—Calls It a ‘Technical Glitch’
4. New Zealand vs Sri Lanka, 2013 – A One-Wicket Thriller
There was a low-scoring yet nerve-shattering game in Cardiff, where Sri Lanka’s 138 appeared defendable due to Lasith Malinga’s incendiary spell that took New Zealand down to 122/8. Tim Southee and Mitchell McClenaghan, however, kept their nerves and led New Zealand to a thrilling one-wicket win, which exemplified the unpredictability of the Champions Trophy.
5. Pakistan vs India, 2017 – The Ultimate Redemption
The 2017 final witnessed Pakistan deliver one of their finest ODI performances. Fakhar Zaman’s stunning century drove Pakistan to 338/4, and Mohammad Amir’s aggressive spell tore India’s top order apart, including Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli. India folded for 158, giving Pakistan a historic and dominant win at The Oval, securing their first-ever Champions Trophy title.
The ICC Champions Trophy is always filled with exciting matches. The above listed were just a few of them. They highlight why this Trophy remains one of cricket’s most thrilling tournaments, creating history with every edition.
Stay tuned to Brandsynario for latest news and updates