The Champions Trophy has been home to some of the most breathtaking performances in cricket history. Over the years, we have seen players rise to the occasion, delivering innings that are etched in the memories of cricket fans forever. Whether it was a match-winning century under pressure or a blistering knock that changed the course of the game, these innings remain iconic. In this blog, we take a look at some of the unforgettable innings in Champions Trophy history that left a lasting impact.
1. Fakhar Zaman – 114 vs India (2017 Final)
One of the most unforgettable innings in Champions Trophy history came in the 2017 final, when Fakhar Zaman played a sensational knock against India. Coming in as an underdog, Pakistan was looking for a solid start, and Fakhar provided just that with an aggressive approach. He capitalized on an early reprieve after being caught off a no-ball and went on to smash 114 off 106 balls. His fearless stroke play helped Pakistan post a massive total of 338/4, leading to a dominant 180-run victory. This innings not only won Pakistan their first-ever Champions Trophy but also established Fakhar as a big-game player.
2. Sourav Ganguly – 141 vs South Africa (2000 Semi-Final)
When India faced South Africa in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final, the stage was set for an intense battle. Sourav Ganguly, leading from the front, played one of the finest knocks of his career, scoring an unbeaten 141 off 142 balls. His innings was a perfect blend of patience and aggression, ensuring India reached a competitive total of 295/6. His leadership and ability to handle pressure guided India to a 10-run victory, making this one of the most memorable performances in the tournament’s history.
3. Shane Watson – 136 vs England (2009 Final)
In the 2009 Champions Trophy final, Shane Watson delivered an innings of pure dominance against England. Chasing a target of 258, Australia lost early wickets, but Watson remained unshaken. He played a masterful knock of 136 off 132 balls*, smashing boundaries at will and steering Australia to an emphatic 6-wicket victory. His innings not only secured Australia’s second consecutive Champions Trophy title but also solidified his reputation as a match-winner on the big stage.
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4. Chris Gayle – 133 vs South Africa (2006 Group Stage)
Few players can match the explosiveness of Chris Gayle, and his blistering 133 off 135 balls* against South Africa in the 2006 Champions Trophy was a prime example of his brilliance. Opening the batting, Gayle launched an all-out assault on the Proteas’ bowling attack, smashing 17 boundaries and 3 sixes. His power-packed innings helped West Indies chase down 259 with ease, winning by 6 wickets. This knock remains one of the most dominant innings in the tournament’s history.
5. Virat Kohli – 79 vs Sri Lanka (2013 Semi-Final)*
During the 2013 Champions Trophy, India was in red-hot form, and Virat Kohli played a crucial role in ensuring their dominance. In the semi-final against Sri Lanka, chasing a tricky target of 182, Kohli played a composed yet aggressive knock of 79 off 77 balls*. His calculated approach ensured India cruised to victory by 8 wickets, setting up a final showdown against England. This innings showcased Kohli’s ability to handle pressure and anchor chases with finesse.
6. Marcus Trescothick – 104 vs Pakistan (2004 Semi-Final)
In the 2004 Champions Trophy semi-final, Marcus Trescothick played a gem of an innings against Pakistan. Batting first, he scored a magnificent 104 off 124 balls, guiding England to a solid total of 259/5. His well-paced knock included exquisite cover drives and powerful pull shots, making it one of the standout innings in Champions Trophy history. England went on to win the match by 7 wickets, thanks to Trescothick’s brilliance.
7. Mahela Jayawardene – 84 vs New Zealand (2013 Group Stage)
Mahela Jayawardene was known for his elegance and match-winning abilities, and his innings against New Zealand in the 2013 Champions Trophy was nothing short of spectacular. On a difficult pitch where most batters struggled, Jayawardene stood tall with a gritty 84 off 81 balls. His innings proved to be the difference as Sri Lanka defended a modest target of 138, winning the match by 1 wicket in a dramatic finish. This knock highlighted his ability to perform under pressure.
8. Ricky Ponting – 111 vs New Zealand (2009 Group Stage)
Ricky Ponting was one of the greatest ODI batsmen, and he proved his worth once again in the 2009 Champions Trophy against New Zealand. Leading from the front, he smashed 111 off 115 balls, helping Australia post a massive total of 301/4. His innings was a display of pure class, featuring powerful pull shots and elegant drives. Australia went on to win comfortably, and this innings remains one of the finest by a captain in the tournament’s history.
9. Mohammad Yousuf – 100 vs Sri Lanka (2002 Group Stage)
Mohammad Yousuf played a sensational unbeaten century in the 2002 Champions Trophy against Sri Lanka. Chasing 223, he anchored the innings brilliantly, scoring 100 off 110 balls*. His calm and composed approach ensured Pakistan chased the target with 4 wickets to spare, making this knock one of the most underappreciated but significant innings in the tournament.
10. Kevin Pietersen – 79 vs Australia (2006 Group Stage)
Kevin Pietersen was a game-changer, and his innings against Australia in the 2006 Champions Trophy was proof of his match-winning abilities. In a high-pressure chase, Pietersen scored a blistering 79 off 84 balls*, guiding England to a crucial victory. His fearless stroke play and aggressive intent made this innings one of the most memorable in the tournament’s history.
Conclusion
The Champions Trophy has witnessed some of the greatest innings in cricket history, where players have stepped up and delivered in pressure situations. From Fakhar Zaman’s final heroics in 2017 to Sourav Ganguly’s classic 141 in 2000*, these innings have defined the tournament’s legacy.
As we eagerly await the Champions Trophy 2025, fans will be hoping for more such unforgettable innings in Champions Trophy history that will add to the tournament’s rich tradition. Which innings is your favorite? Let us know in the comments!
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