Top 8 Champions Trophy Matches of All Time

The ICC Champions Trophy has always been defined by its intensity. Unlike the longer World Cup, this tournament compresses world-class competition into a few weeks. With only the best teams competing, every match carries the weight of a knockout, even in the group stage. This structure has consistently produced contests of rare drama and high skill.

Among the many encounters across its history, certain matches stand out as all-time classics. They feature unexpected champions, shared trophies, stunning upsets, and last-over thrillers. These matches are not only memorable for their scorecards but also for the emotions they stirred and the legacies they created.

This article highlights the top eight Champions Trophy matches of all time, spanning from the inaugural edition in 1998 to the unforgettable 2017 final. Each game contributed to the reputation of the Champions Trophy as a tournament where pressure, passion, and prestige collide in unforgettable fashion.

1998 Semi-Final: South Africa vs Sri Lanka

The inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy in 1998 was played entirely as a knockout competition, and the semi-final between South Africa and Sri Lanka was a defining moment. South Africa had entered the event with a strong squad, and they had already established themselves as one of the most consistent sides of the 1990s. Facing Sri Lanka in Dhaka, they were determined to reach the final of the first-ever edition.

Sri Lanka, led by Arjuna Ranatunga, was still riding the momentum of their 1996 World Cup triumph. They had batting depth with Sanath Jayasuriya and Aravinda de Silva, and they were not going to be easy opponents. Yet South Africa’s all-round strength proved decisive. Jacques Kallis produced a match-winning performance, scoring valuable runs and taking wickets to break Sri Lanka’s resistance.

The match confirmed South Africa’s dominance and set up their path to victory in the final. It also underlined the value of the tournament itself, which immediately showcased the excitement of knockouts between elite teams. This semi-final is remembered as a key step in South Africa’s first ICC trophy win.

2000 Final: India vs New Zealand

The 2000 edition in Nairobi, Kenya, produced one of the greatest finals in Champions Trophy history. India, boasting a line-up of stars like Sachin Tendulkar and Sourav Ganguly, was a heavy favourite against New Zealand. Batting first, India put up 264, thanks in large part to Ganguly’s fluent century. At the halfway stage, the match looked to be in India’s control.

But New Zealand had other ideas. Chris Cairns played the innings of his career, striking a determined and aggressive unbeaten 102. His batting dismantled India’s bowling attack and inspired the rest of the team to believe in victory. Supported by crucial contributions from the lower order, New Zealand completed the chase and claimed their first and only ICC trophy.

The final remains iconic because of its upset value. Few had predicted that New Zealand would beat India in such a high-stakes clash. Cairns’ century is etched in Champions Trophy history, symbolising resilience, belief, and the ability of the underdog to topple a favourite in one-day cricket.

2002 Final: India vs Sri Lanka (Shared Trophy)

The 2002 Champions Trophy final is remembered less for on-field heroics and more for the extraordinary intervention of the weather. Played in Colombo, the final pitted hosts Sri Lanka against India in what should have been a classic. Both sides boasted superstar line-ups and passionate fan support.

On the scheduled day of the final, heavy rain washed out the play. A reserve day was planned, which raised hopes that a clear Champions Trophy winner would emerge. But when the rain returned and play was abandoned yet again, the tournament ended in a shared title. India and Sri Lanka were declared joint winners.

This outcome was unique in international cricket. It remains the only instance of a major ICC men’s trophy being shared. While frustrating for players and fans, it gave both nations a sense of pride. The shared trophy emphasised the unpredictability of cricket and added a rare chapter to the tournament’s lore, reminding everyone of the role nature can play in the sport.

2004 Final: West Indies vs England

The 2004 Champions Trophy final, played at The Oval in London, is remembered as one of the most thrilling finishes in tournament history. England, buoyed by home support, batted first and posted a total of 217. It looked competitive given the conditions, and when the West Indies collapsed to 147 for 8, the match seemed firmly in England’s grasp.

What followed was one of the most famous lower-order partnerships in one-day cricket. Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw, both known more for their bowling than batting, put together an unbeaten stand of 71. They defied the English attack with calmness and composure, steering the West Indies to an improbable victory with seven balls to spare.

The win handed West Indies their first Champions Trophy title and their last major ICC trophy for many years. Brian Lara’s leadership was praised, but it was Browne and Bradshaw who wrote themselves into history. The drama and turnaround made the 2004 final a true Champions Trophy classic.

2006 Semi-Final: West Indies vs South Africa

The 2006 tournament in India produced a semi-final that is still remembered for its intensity. West Indies faced South Africa in Jaipur, with both sides boasting powerful line-ups. Batting first, West Indies piled on the runs, thanks to Chris Gayle’s breathtaking century. His aggressive hitting set the tone and demoralised the South African bowlers.

South Africa responded with determination. Herschelle Gibbs and Mark Boucher played fighting innings, and at one stage the chase looked possible. But regular wickets slowed their momentum, and the West Indies eventually sealed victory to advance to the final.

The match was a showcase of Champions Trophy cricket at its best: big hitting, momentum swings, and high stakes. Gayle’s dominance with the bat was a reminder of how one player could transform a contest. The semi-final remains one of the most exciting matches in tournament history, reflecting the drama that the event consistently delivers.

2009 Semi-Final: Australia vs England

Few rivalries in cricket are as intense as Australia versus England, and their 2009 Champions Trophy semi-final in Centurion added another chapter. England batted first and started brightly, with Andrew Strauss and Joe Denly providing a solid platform. However, Australia’s bowlers, led by Brett Lee and Mitchell Johnson, pegged them back and restricted the total to 257.

Chasing 258, Australia’s innings began shakily, but Shane Watson played a masterful knock. His unbeaten century anchored the chase and ensured Australia cruised to victory with several overs to spare. Michael Hussey provided valuable support, and the win underlined Australia’s dominance in the format.

This match was significant not only for the result but also for the rivalry. Beating England in a semi-final added to Australia’s satisfaction and paved the way for them to secure back-to-back Champions Trophy titles. The 2009 semi-final is remembered as an example of Australia’s resilience and ability to rise in high-pressure contests.

2013 Final: India vs England

The 2013 final at Edgbaston was the kind of contest that exemplifies the Champions Trophy. Rain reduced the match to 20 overs per side, creating a scenario closer to a T20 international. India batted first and posted 129, thanks to vital contributions from Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja.

Chasing 130, England looked in control at one stage, but India’s spinners turned the match around. Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin applied relentless pressure, and Ishant Sharma picked up two key wickets in the same over. England collapsed under pressure, and India sealed a five-run victory in front of jubilant fans.

The result gave India their second Champions Trophy title and added to MS Dhoni’s remarkable record as captain. His calm leadership in a rain-affected, high-pressure match added to his legend. The 2013 final is remembered as one of the great reduced-overs thrillers and a true classic of the Champions Trophy.

2017 Final: Pakistan vs India

The 2017 final at The Oval in London is often described as the greatest Champions Trophy match of all time. It featured cricket’s fiercest rivalry, and few expected Pakistan to come out on top. India were the defending champions and the favourites, but Pakistan produced a performance for the ages.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 338, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s scintillating 114. His fearless stroke play set the tone for the innings. In reply, India’s top order collapsed under the pressure of Mohammad Amir’s fiery new-ball spell. He dismissed Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Shikhar Dhawan in quick succession, effectively ending India’s hopes.

Despite a late counterattack from Hardik Pandya, India never recovered, and Pakistan secured victory by 180 runs. It was their first Champions Trophy title and one of their most famous victories in international cricket. For Pakistani fans, it was a moment of pride and joy, achieved against their greatest rivals on the biggest stage.

The 2017 final encapsulated everything that makes the Champions Trophy special: fierce rivalries, underdog triumphs, unforgettable performances, and the creation of memories that will last a lifetime.

What These Matches Tell Us About the Champions Trophy

Looking back at these eight classics, a few common themes emerge. The Champions Trophy consistently delivers intensity, with every match feeling like a must-win contest. Upsets are a regular feature, from New Zealand’s shock in 2000 to Pakistan’s glory in 2017. Historic rivalries, such as India versus Pakistan and Australia versus England, have been given new chapters in this tournament.

These matches also highlight how the Champions Trophy creates space for individual brilliance. Performances from Chris Cairns, Chris Gayle, Shane Watson, Fakhar Zaman, and others became defining moments in their careers. The drama of shared trophies, last-over finishes, and one-sided upsets all contribute to the event’s unique identity in the cricketing calendar.

Conclusion

The Champions Trophy has produced a treasure trove of unforgettable matches since its inception in 1998. From South Africa’s powerful semi-final display in the first edition to Pakistan’s remarkable upset in 2017, the competition has consistently offered contests of high drama and historical significance.

These top eight matches remind us why the Champions Trophy holds such a special place in cricket. It is a tournament where intensity is guaranteed, where surprises are always possible, and where memories are created that fans cherish for generations. In the crowded landscape of international cricket, these matches are proof that the Champions Trophy remains one of the sport’s greatest stages.