The ICC Champions Trophy has a rich history of delivering unforgettable moments, thrilling finishes, and historic performances. As cricket fans gear up for the 2025 edition in Pakistan, it’s worth revisiting some of the most iconic moments from past tournaments that have defined this prestigious ODI competition. These moments not only showcase the drama and excitement of the Champions Trophy but also set the stage for what could unfold in 2025.
1. India vs. Pakistan Final (2000) – A Nail-Biting Tie
- What Happened : The inaugural ICC Champions Trophy final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan ended in a dramatic tie after both teams scored 262 runs in their allotted overs.
- How It Was Decided : With no result possible in regular play, the match was decided via a bowl-out (a precursor to the Super Over). India won the bowl-out 3-0, with Virender Sehwag, Harbhajan Singh, and Sachin Tendulkar hitting the stumps.
- Why It’s Memorable : This match set the tone for future India-Pakistan clashes in ICC tournaments, showcasing the intensity and unpredictability of encounters between these two giants.
2. Zimbabwe’s Giant-Killing Act (2000)
- What Happened : In the group stage of the 2000 tournament, Zimbabwe stunned Australia by bowling them out for just 179 runs and chasing it down with ease.
- Key Performances : Zimbabwe’s bowlers, led by Heath Streak and Paul Strang, dismantled the mighty Australian batting lineup, while Alistair Campbell played a composed innings to seal the win.
- Why It’s Memorable : This victory remains one of the greatest upsets in ICC tournament history, proving that any team can challenge the best on their day.
3. India’s Dominance in 2002 – Shared Glory
- What Happened : The 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka was washed out due to rain, resulting in the trophy being shared. However, India’s dominance throughout the tournament was undeniable.
- Key Moment : Sourav Ganguly’s leadership and Rahul Dravid’s consistency were instrumental in India’s success, as they defeated strong teams like South Africa and New Zealand en route to the final.
- Why It’s Memorable : While the final lacked a decisive winner, India’s campaign solidified their status as an ODI powerhouse.
4. Australia’s Ruthless Run (2006 & 2009)
- What Happened : Australia dominated the Champions Trophy in the mid-2000s, winning back-to-back titles in 2006 and 2009 .
- 2006 Final : Ricky Ponting’s century helped Australia chase down West Indies’ total of 222 with ease.
- 2009 Final : A young Michael Hussey hit a stunning unbeaten 60 off 38 balls to guide Australia to victory over New Zealand.
- Why It’s Memorable : These victories cemented Australia’s reputation as a dominant force in ODIs during that era, blending aggression with clinical precision.
5. Misbah-ul-Haq’s Scoop Shot Heartbreak (2007)
- What Happened : In the 2007 final, Pakistan took on India in a low-scoring thriller. Pakistan needed just 6 runs off 4 balls when Misbah-ul-Haq attempted a risky scoop shot, only to be caught by Sreesanth at short fine leg.
- Key Moment : India won the match by 5 runs, sparking wild celebrations among the Indian players and fans.
- Why It’s Memorable : Misbah’s audacious shot encapsulated the high-stakes drama of ICC finals, leaving fans heartbroken yet awestruck by his bravery.
6. England’s Redemption in 2013
- What Happened : After years of underperformance, England finally lifted the Champions Trophy in 2013, defeating India in the final at Edgbaston.
- Key Performances : Ian Bell’s elegant century and Joe Root’s composed half-century guided England to a competitive total of 259. Their bowlers then restricted India to 179, with Ravindra Jadeja top-scoring with 33.
- Why It’s Memorable : This victory marked England’s resurgence in ODI cricket and laid the foundation for their future success, including their 2019 World Cup triumph.
7. Pakistan’s Fairytale Win (2017)
- What Happened : Pakistan entered the 2017 tournament as underdogs after a heavy loss to India in their opening game. However, they turned their campaign around spectacularly, culminating in a stunning victory over India in the final.
- Key Moment : Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 114 off 106 balls set the platform for Pakistan’s mammoth total of 338/4. Mohammad Amir and Hasan Ali then dismantled India’s batting lineup, restricting them to 212.
- Why It’s Memorable : This victory was a testament to Pakistan’s unpredictable nature and ability to rise to the occasion in ICC tournaments. It remains one of the most celebrated wins in Pakistani cricket history.
8. Sri Lanka’s Gritty Triumph (2002)
- What Happened : In addition to sharing the trophy with India, Sri Lanka showcased their resilience throughout the 2002 tournament.
- Key Moment : Marvan Atapattu and Kumar Sangakkara’s partnership against India in the group stage highlighted their batting depth, while Muttiah Muralitharan’s wizardry with the ball kept opponents in check.
- Why It’s Memorable : Sri Lanka’s performance underscored their status as a formidable ODI side, capable of competing with the best even in challenging conditions.
9. West Indies’ Last Hurrah (2004)
- What Happened : The 2004 final saw West Indies defeat England by 2 wickets in a thrilling finish at the Oval.
- Key Moment : Brian Lara’s leadership and Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s gritty 47* guided West Indies home after a late collapse.
- Why It’s Memorable : This victory marked the last major ICC trophy won by the West Indies, making it a poignant moment in their cricketing history.
10. New Zealand’s Near Miss (2000 & 2017)
- What Happened : New Zealand reached the final twice—in 2000 and 2017 —but fell agonizingly short on both occasions.
- 2000 Final : They lost to India in the bowl-out.
- 2017 Final : They were beaten by Pakistan in a rain-affected semi-final.
- Why It’s Memorable : New Zealand’s consistent performances highlight their status as perennial contenders, even if they’ve struggled to clinch the trophy.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we anticipate the 2025 edition, these moments serve as a reminder of the magic and unpredictability of the ICC Champions Trophy. Whether it’s a last-ball thriller, a stunning upset, or a player producing a career-defining performance, the tournament has always delivered drama and excitement.
With Pakistan hosting the event, the stage is set for new heroes to emerge, records to be broken, and memories to be created. Will 2025 produce its own chapter in Champions Trophy folklore? One thing is certain: fans are in for a treat!
