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Memorable Final Matches in Champions Trophy History

The Champions Trophy has always been a thrilling tournament, bringing together the best teams in the world to compete in a fast-paced, high-stakes format. Over the years, cricket fans have witnessed some of the most memorable final matches in Champions Trophy history, with breathtaking performances, dramatic twists, and unforgettable moments. Let’s take a look at some of the greatest Champions Trophy finals that have left an everlasting impact on the game.

Memorable Final Matches in Champions Trophy History

Memorable Final Matches in Champions Trophy

1. 2002 Champions Trophy Final – India and Sri Lanka Declared Joint Winners

When talking about Memorable Final Matches in Champions Trophy, the 2002 Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka remains one of the most talked-about matches in the tournament’s history. Played at Colombo, the final was marred by persistent rain, which resulted in both teams being declared joint winners.

Match Highlights:

  • Sri Lanka’s Strong Start: Batting first, Sri Lanka posted a competitive total of 222/7 in 50 overs, with Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara playing crucial knocks.
  • India’s Incomplete Chase: India, led by Sourav Ganguly, started their chase but rain interruptions forced the match to be replayed the next day. Unfortunately, the second attempt was also washed out, leading to a shared title.

Though fans were left disappointed by the rain-affected final, this was India’s first major ICC trophy win since 1983, making it a historic moment in Champions Trophy history.

2. 2004 Champions Trophy Final – West Indies’ Stunning Comeback Against England

The 2004 Champions Trophy final saw West Indies pull off one of the greatest comebacks in Memorable Final Matches in Champions Trophy History, defeating England in a nail-biting finish.

Match Highlights:

  • England’s Strong Bowling Display: Batting first, England struggled against a fiery West Indian bowling attack, posting 217 all out. Marcus Trescothick’s 104 was the only significant contribution.
  • West Indies’ Collapse and Revival: Chasing 218, West Indies were in deep trouble at 147/8, but Ian Bradshaw (34) and Courtney Browne (35)** scripted an incredible 71-run unbeaten partnership, guiding the team to victory.

This triumph marked West Indies’ first major ICC trophy win since 1979 and remains one of the most dramatic Champions Trophy final matches.

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3. 2006 Champions Trophy Final – Australia’s Dominance Begins

The 2006 Champions Trophy final saw Australia cement their dominance in world cricket by clinching their first-ever Champions Trophy title against West Indies.

Match Highlights:

  • West Indies’ Batting Collapse: Batting first, West Indies were bundled out for 138, as Australia’s bowling attack, led by Nathan Bracken and Glenn McGrath, destroyed their batting lineup.
  • Australia’s Comfortable Chase: Despite losing early wickets, Shane Watson’s unbeaten 57 helped Australia chase the target with ease, winning by 8 wickets.

This victory kickstarted Australia’s dominance in the Champions Trophy, as they would go on to win the next edition as well.

4. 2009 Champions Trophy Final – Australia’s Back-to-Back Titles

The 2009 Champions Trophy final saw Australia once again proving their superiority, defeating New Zealand to win back-to-back titles.

Match Highlights:

  • New Zealand’s Fight: New Zealand batted first and posted 200/9, with Martin Guptill and James Franklin putting up resistance against a strong Aussie bowling attack.
  • Australia’s Solid Chase: Shane Watson once again delivered, scoring an unbeaten 105 to take Australia home with a comfortable 6-wicket victory.

With this win, Australia became the first team to win consecutive Champions Trophy titles, solidifying their reputation as one of the greatest teams in cricket history.

5. 2013 Champions Trophy Final – India’s Thrilling Victory Over England

One of the most memorable Champions Trophy finals, the 2013 final between India and England, was a tense, rain-affected encounter that saw MS Dhoni’s team pull off an incredible win.

Match Highlights:

  • India’s Competitive Total: India, batting first in a rain-shortened 20-over match, scored 129/7, with Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja making crucial contributions.
  • England’s Struggle: Chasing 130, England were well-placed at 110/4, needing just 20 runs from 16 balls. However, a stunning comeback by India’s bowlers, especially Ishant Sharma, turned the match on its head.
  • Dhoni Creates History: India bowled out England for 124, winning by 5 runs and making MS Dhoni the first captain to win all ICC white-ball tournaments.

This final remains one of the greatest moments in India’s Champions Trophy history, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

6. 2017 Champions Trophy Final – Pakistan’s Unforgettable Triumph Over India

The 2017 Champions Trophy final was one of the most iconic Champions Trophy finals, as Pakistan stunned India with a dominant performance, claiming their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

Match Highlights:

  • Fakhar Zaman’s Century: Pakistan, batting first, posted a massive 338/4, with Fakhar Zaman’s brilliant 114 leading the charge.
  • Amir’s Destructive Spell: Defending 339, Mohammad Amir bowled one of the best spells in a final, dismissing Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan early.
  • Pakistan’s Commanding Victory: India were bowled out for 158, as Pakistan won by 180 runs, marking one of their greatest victories in ICC tournaments.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy finals have provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and unforgettable matches in history. From rain-affected drama in 2002, to India’s thrilling win in 2013, and Pakistan’s dominant display in 2017, each final has had its own unique story.

As the tournament prepares for a return in 2025, fans can only hope for another addition to the list of memorable final matches in Champions Trophy history. Which final is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!

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Advika
Advika
Advika Kohli, a Senior Assistant Editor based in Mumbai, specializes in covering cricket action across India. With over three years of experience, she primarily focuses on cricket, including off-field updates. A budding filmmaker at heart, she ventured into cricket reporting to stay close to the sport she loves while exploring new places. You can find her tweets at @advikakohli.

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