The Champions Trophy 2025 is set to begin on February 19, and cricket fans worldwide are eagerly waiting for the prestigious tournament. Since its inception in 1998, the ICC Champions Trophy has seen some of the best performances from world-class cricketers.
The last edition of the tournament was held in 2017 when Pakistan won the Champions Trophy by defeating India in a historic final. In this article, we will look at the top scorers in Champions Trophy finals from 1998 to 2017.
Philo Wallace’s Heroic Knock: 1998
The 1998 Champions Trophy final featured West Indies vs South Africa. West Indies batted first, scoring 245 runs, thanks to a brilliant century by Philo Alphonso Wallace, who scored 103 runs off 102 balls, smashing 11 fours and 5 sixes.
However, despite Wallace’s heroics, South Africa chased the target with four wickets in hand, securing their first ICC trophy win. Captain Hansie Cronje played a crucial knock of 61 runs, leading his team to victory.
Sourav Ganguly’s Masterclass: 2000
In the 2000 Champions Trophy final, India faced New Zealand in Nairobi. India, batting first, posted a solid total of 264/6 in 50 overs. The innings were powered by Sourav Ganguly, who played a remarkable innings of 117 runs, smashing 9 fours and 4 sixes.
However, Chris Cairns of New Zealand played an unbeaten knock of 102 runs*, guiding New Zealand to victory with four wickets in hand. This remains one of the most memorable Champions Trophy final innings.
Mahela Jayawardene’s Impactful Innings: 2002
The 2002 Champions Trophy final saw India and Sri Lanka face off in Colombo. Rain played spoilsport, leading to a shared trophy.
Sri Lanka batted first, scoring 222/7 in 50 overs. Their top scorer was Mahela Jayawardene, who made a crucial 77 runs with 6 fours. Russell Arnold also contributed 56 runs*, ensuring a competitive total. However, the match couldn’t be completed, and both teams were declared joint winners.
Marcus Trescothick’s Century for England: 2004
The 2004 Champions Trophy final saw England and West Indies battle at The Oval, London.
England, batting first, scored 217 runs, with Marcus Trescothick leading the charge. He scored a magnificent 104 runs, hitting 14 fours. Despite his effort, West Indies chased the target, winning with two wickets in hand, thanks to Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s steady innings of 47 runs.
Shane Watson’s Match-Winning Knock: 2006
The 2006 Champions Trophy final was held in Brabourne Stadium, India, featuring Australia vs West Indies.
West Indies struggled and managed to score only 138 runs. Shane Watson, one of Australia’s most dependable players, played a steady innings of 57 runs*, leading Australia to a comfortable 8-wicket victory. His knock remains one of the most valuable performances in Champions Trophy history.
Shane Watson Shines Again: 2009
In the 2009 Champions Trophy final, Australia faced New Zealand.
Batting first, New Zealand scored 200 runs, but once again, Shane Watson stole the show, scoring a brilliant 105 runs*, ensuring Australia’s victory with 6 wickets in hand. His back-to-back match-winning performances made him one of the most successful Champions Trophy batsmen.
Virat Kohli Leads India to Victory: 2013
The 2013 Champions Trophy final between India and England was shortened to 20 overs due to rain.
India, batting first, scored 129/7, with Virat Kohli top-scoring at 43 runs off 34 balls, including 4 fours and 1 six. Ravindra Jadeja also contributed a valuable 33 runs*.
In response, England struggled and managed only 124 runs, leading to India’s Champions Trophy win by 5 runs.
Fakhar Zaman’s Explosive Century: 2017
The 2017 Champions Trophy final was one of the most historic matches as Pakistan defeated India by 180 runs.
Batting first, Pakistan posted 338/4, with Fakhar Zaman playing an unforgettable innings of 114 runs off 106 balls, hitting 12 fours and 3 sixes. India, in reply, was all out for 158 runs, handing Pakistan their first Champions Trophy title.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the most thrilling finals in cricket history. From Philo Wallace’s century in 1998 to Fakhar Zaman’s heroics in 2017, these performances have left a lasting impact on Champions Trophy records.
With the Champions Trophy 2025 around the corner, fans eagerly await to see which batsman will step up in the final and etch his name in cricketing history.
FAQs
Q1. Who has scored the most runs in a Champions Trophy final?
Ans: The record for the highest individual score in a Champions Trophy final is held by Sourav Ganguly (117 runs in 2000).
Q2. How many times has India won the Champions Trophy?
Ans: India shared the Champions Trophy with Sri Lanka in 2002 and again in 2013.
Q3. Who was the top scorer in the 2017 Champions Trophy final?
Ans: Fakhar Zaman scored 114 runs in the 2017 Champions Trophy final, helping Pakistan beat India.
Q4. Which player has won multiple Champions Trophy finals?
Ans: Shane Watson played crucial roles in Australia’s 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy wins.
Q5. When is the next Champions Trophy scheduled?
Ans: The Champions Trophy 2025 is scheduled to start on February 19, 2025.