Top Six Bowling Performances in ICC Champions Trophy History

 

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to kick off on February 19, making its long-awaited return after an eight-year break. Hosted by Pakistan, with some matches scheduled in Dubai due to political considerations, the tournament will feature the top eight ODI teams: Pakistan, India, New Zealand, Bangladesh, Australia, England, South Africa, and Afghanistan. The competition will begin with Pakistan taking on New Zealand in Karachi, while the highly anticipated India-Pakistan showdown is set for February 23 in Dubai.

As excitement builds for the tournament’s return, we take a trip down memory lane to revisit six of the most outstanding individual bowling performances in Champions Trophy history.

Shayne O'Connor – 5/46 vs Pakistan (11 October 2000, Nairobi)

With 25 balls remaining and Pakistan well-placed at 237 for 6, thanks to a settled Abdul Razzaq (48) and Wasim Akram (34), a strong finish seemed inevitable. However, Shayne O'Connor had other plans. The left-arm fast-medium bowler tore through Pakistan’s lower order, claiming four wickets in the span of just nine deliveries to dismiss them for 252. Earlier in the innings, he had already removed Imran Nazir, bringing his tally to an impressive 5 for 46—then the best bowling figures of the tournament.

Aravinda de Silva – 1/16 vs Australia (27 September 2002, Colombo)

Aravinda de Silva, primarily known for his batting prowess, bowled just one full spell in the Champions Trophy, but it was a game-changer. Delivering 10 overs of precise off-spin in the semi-final against Australia, he conceded a mere 16 runs while picking up a crucial wicket. His incredible economy rate placed him second in the tournament’s all-time list, just behind South Africa’s Dale Benkenstein. Australia struggled to reach 162 on a turning pitch, and Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target to win by seven wickets. The victory propelled them to the final, where they eventually shared the trophy with India after two consecutive rain-affected matches.

Farveez Maharoof – 6/14 vs West Indies (14 October 2006, Mumbai)

Farveez Maharoof holds the record for the best bowling figures in Champions Trophy history—9 overs, 2 maidens, 14 runs, and 6 wickets—achieved against West Indies in a qualifying match at the Brabourne Stadium. After Chaminda Vaas and Lasith Malinga had reduced West Indies to 13 for 3, Maharoof produced a masterclass in disciplined medium-pace bowling. Without relying on express pace or menacing bouncers, he focused on subtle seam movement to dismantle the batting lineup. West Indies lost their last seven wickets for just 29 runs, collapsing for 80—the third-lowest total in the tournament's history. Sri Lanka comfortably chased down the target with more than 36 overs to spare.

Makhaya Ntini – 5/21 vs Pakistan (27 October 2006, Mohali)

Defending a modest total of 213 on a green-tinged pitch with extra bounce at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Makhaya Ntini unleashed an unstoppable spell of fast bowling. In his first five overs, he ripped through Pakistan’s top order, taking five wickets for just eight runs. Pakistan never recovered from the early damage, slumping to 89 all out in what coach Bob Woolmer later described as “the worst batting I’ve seen from Pakistan.” Extras (16) outscored all but one batsman—Yasir Arafat (27). Graeme Smith, South Africa’s captain, had predicted his team would thrive in the conditions, and Ntini’s relentless pace proved him right, securing a dominant 124-run victory.

Lasith Malinga – 4/34 vs New Zealand (9 June 2013, Cardiff)

Lasith Malinga’s electrifying spell in the 2013 Champions Trophy nearly turned the tide for Sri Lanka in a tense low-scoring clash against New Zealand. With the pitch offering little assistance, Malinga still found a way to trouble the batsmen, taking 4 for 34. New Zealand, chasing a modest 138, appeared steady at 48 for 1, but Malinga’s lethal strikes reduced them to 49 for 4 and later 80 for 6. However, once he was out of the attack, Nathan McCullum (32) and Tim Southee (13) steadied the ship. Just as New Zealand seemed to be cruising at 115 for 6, Malinga returned to remove both McCullum brothers in three deliveries, adding late drama. Despite his heroics, New Zealand managed to scrape through, securing their first win over Sri Lanka in four years.

Ravindra Jadeja – 2/24 vs New Zealand (23 June 2013, Egbaston)

Ravindra Jadeja delivered a match-winning bowling performance in the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final against England at Edgbaston, Birmingham. In the rain-shortened 20-over contest, he bowled a tight and economical spell, finishing with figures of 4-1-24-2.

Jadeja dismissed Ian Bell (stumped by MS Dhoni) and Jos Buttler (bowled for a duck), applying crucial pressure on England’s chase of 130 runs. His accurate line and subtle variations exploited the slow pitch, restricting England’s scoring. He also contributed with a run-out of Eoin Morgan and ended as the tournament's highest wicket-taker (12 wickets in 5 matches).

His bowling, combined with his unbeaten 33 runs with the bat, earned him the Man of the Match award and played a key role in India's five-run victory, securing their second Champions Trophy title.