Top Six Batting Performances in ICC Champions Trophy History

 


The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to commence on February 19, marking the tournament's return after an eight-year hiatus. Hosted by Pakistan, with select matches in Dubai due to political considerations, the event features the top eight ODI teams: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The opening match will see Pakistan facing New Zealand in Karachi, while the much-anticipated India-Pakistan clash is scheduled for February 23 in Dubai. 

As we await the start of the tournament, we visit down memory lane to look back at the top 6 individual batting performances in the history of this event 


Sachin Tendulkar – 141 vs Australia (28 October 1998, Dhaka)

Just two days after securing a Test series win against Pakistan, Australia faced an unexpected onslaught from a single man—Sachin Tendulkar. In the inaugural ICC Champions Trophy (then called the ICC KnockOut Trophy), the Steve Waugh-led side started strongly, reducing India to 8 for 2. However, Tendulkar turned the game on its head with a magnificent 141 off 128 balls, hammering 13 fours and three sixes. He built two crucial century partnerships—first with Rahul Dravid (48) and then with Ajay Jadeja (71)—helping India post a formidable 307 for 8. To cap off his outstanding performance, Tendulkar contributed with the ball as well, taking 4 for 38 with his mix of off-breaks and leg-breaks, dismantling Australia for 263 and sealing a 44-run victory for India.



Jacques Kallis – 113 vs Sri Lanka (30 October 1998, Dhaka)*

In a rain-affected semi-final, Jacques Kallis delivered a masterful unbeaten 113 off 107 balls, smashing five sixes and as many boundaries. On a tricky surface where no other batsman managed to cross 30, Kallis’ innings single-handedly carried South Africa to 240 for 7 in 39 overs. His composed yet aggressive approach proved decisive, as Sri Lanka crumbled to 132 all out, handing South Africa a commanding 92-run victory and a place in the final. This tournament remains South Africa’s only major ICC trophy win, as they went on to defeat West Indies in the final.

Sourav Ganguly – 141 vs South Africa (13 October 2000, Nairobi)*

Sourav Ganguly led from the front in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final with a breathtaking, unbeaten 141. Walking in at a precarious moment, the Indian captain took charge, striking 11 fours and six sixes in a well-paced 142-ball knock. Balancing aggression with stability, Ganguly ensured India reached a competitive total of 295 for 6. His innings proved pivotal, as India’s bowlers later bundled out South Africa for 200, securing a comprehensive 95-run victory and a place in the final.

Chris Cairns – 102 vs India (15 October 2000, Nairobi)*

New Zealand’s triumph in the 2000 Champions Trophy final was largely due to Chris Cairns’ heroic unbeaten century. Chasing 265, New Zealand found themselves struggling at 132 for 5 when Cairns joined Chris Harris at the crease. The pair stitched together a crucial 122-run stand, with Cairns playing the dominant role. His 102 off 113 balls, laced with nine fours and five sixes, guided New Zealand to a remarkable win under immense pressure, showcasing his ability to perform in high-stakes matches.


Shane Watson – 136 vs England (2 October 2009, Centurion)*

Reflecting on the 2009 Champions Trophy, Shane Watson described it as a defining moment in his international career. In the semi-final against England, he first contributed with the ball, taking two wickets to restrict England to 257. Then, in a display of sheer dominance, Watson powered his way to an unbeaten 136 off 132 balls, smashing 10 fours and seven sixes. His match-winning 242-run partnership with Ricky Ponting (111*) ensured Australia cruised to victory with more than eight overs to spare. Watson followed up this knock with another unbeaten century (105*) in the final, helping Australia demolish New Zealand and retain the title.

Shikhar Dhawan – 114 vs South Africa (6 June 2013, Cardiff)

Shikhar Dhawan announced his arrival on the global stage with a stunning century in India’s opening match of the 2013 Champions Trophy. The left-handed opener struck a fluent 114 off just 94 balls, adding 127 runs for the first wicket with Rohit Sharma (65). His innings, decorated with 12 fours and a six, set the tone for India’s strong total of 331. Though South Africa fought valiantly, they fell short by 26 runs. Dhawan continued his rich form throughout the tournament, finishing as the highest run-scorer with 363 runs in five matches. His stellar contributions earned him both the Golden Bat and the Player of the Tournament award, as India went on to lift the trophy at Edgbaston.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Olympics24 : Julien Alfred of St Lucia becomes fastest woman on earth by winning 100 mtrs

Image
  Saint Lucia's Julien Alfred did wonders to put her country in the Olympics map by beconing the fastest woman on earth . Before the semi-finals, when Jamaica's Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce withdrew, everyone thought Sha'Carri Richardson would easily win the gold. She was expected to become the world's fastest woman. However, Sha'Carri disappointed. St. Lucia's Julien Alfred won the gold in the women's 100 meters at the Olympics, finishing in 10.72 seconds. Sha'Carri secured the silver by finishing second, while America's Melissa Jefferson took bronze. The event was delayed slightly due to rain before the race. Despite the wet track, Julien seemed unaffected. She took the lead right from the start and maintained it until the end. Despite her efforts, Sha'Carri couldn't catch up. Julien set a national record by finishing in 10.72 seconds. Her celebration after winning gold showed how significant this victory was for her and her country. Sha'Car...
Read more

Olympics24 : China dominates TT with 5th consecutive title , France retain volleyball gold , some other event results

Image
  China successfully defended their Golds medal in the men’s table tennis team event with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Sweden at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. This marks their fifth title in the men’s team event, a competition they have dominated since its debut at the Olympic Games Beijing 2008. Host nation France secured the Olympic TT bronze in the men’s event by defeating Japan 3-2. In the women’s table tennis competition, China continued their dominance by winning their fifth consecutive gold medal with a 3-0 victory over Japan. This victory also marked China’s historic 300th Olympic gold medal. Japan took home the silver, while Korea Republic earned the bronze, their first medal in the team event since 2008. In badminton, Denmark’s Viktor Axelsen successfully defended his men’s singles Olympic gold, defeating Thailand’s Kunlavut Vitidsarn in straight sets. Malaysia’s Lee Zii Jia won the bronze after a three-set victory over India’s Lakshya Sen. Lee Yang and Wang Chi-lin of C...
Read more

Olympics24 : Ten men India edge out Britain in tie breaker to storm into hockey SF

Image
  India reached the Olympic hockey semifinals by defeating Britain in a shootout. The match ended 1-1 in regulation time, leading to a shootout where India won 4-2. India played with ten players for 42 minutes to secure the victory. In the semifinals, India will face the winner of the Germany-Argentina match. A win in Tuesday's match will ensure a silver medal for last time's bronze winners at the Paris Olympics. Following the advice of video umpire , Indian defender Amit Rohidas was shown a red card in the fourth minute of the second quarter for unintentional stick contact with a British player’s head. Video umpire Goyentzen suggested it was intentional, and South African field umpire Sean Rapaport recommended a red card, resulting in India playing the rest of the match with ten players. This is the first red card issued in this Olympic hockey tournament. Despite this, India remained undeterred. Coach Craig Fulton adjusted the strategy after going down to ten players. Captain ...
Read more