Ranking the top 3 greatest Champions Trophy finals of all time

Pakistan vs India. (Photo Source – Getty Images)

While the Champions Trophy might not quite rival the World Cup in terms of grandeur and magnitude, the tournament surely has its own unique prestige. There have been quite a few memorable games which have been played over the past nine seasons, including the ongoing one.

As of the commencement of the final of the Champions Trophy 2025 which will be played between India and New Zealand, there have been eight finals played previously. The aforementioned sides will square off at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Sunday, March 9.

The knockout games, and in particular, the summit clashes of the marquee ODI tournament have been dazzling spectacles. There has always been immense buzz on the same across editions; for the finals have always featured the best sides of respective editions.

Top 3 greatest Champions Trophy finals of all time

3.  Pakistan vs India, The Oval (2017)

Pakistan put on 122 for the first wicket after India opted to field first. Fakhar Zaman was dismissed when his side’s score was 200, but only after stroking a majestic 114. Babar Azam contributed with a solid 46, while Mohammad Hafeez stayed unbeaten till the end. Pakistan ended up with 338/4 on the board. Bhuvneshwar Kumar ended up as the most economical bowler for India, yielding figures of 1/44 in 10 overs.

India’s top three batters were undone by a fiery Mohammad Amir spell. At one point, India were reduced to 72/6 after 17 overs. Hardik Pandya struck a belligerent 76 off 43. His dismissal was indirectly the final blow. Hasan Ali ended up with 3/19. Amir had also bagged a three-wicket haul to his name. Pakistan ended up as commanding victors by 180 runs.

Also Check- 3 Changes India must make to win Champions Trophy 2025 Final against New Zealand

2. England vs India, Edgbaston (2013)

Following hours of rain eating up most of the day, the game finally got underway with it being reduced to a 20-over-a-side contest. The four batters in India’s top six other than Shikhar Dhawan (31 off 24) and Virat Kohli (43 off 34) departed for single-digit scores. Ravindra Jadeja ended up unbeaten on 33* off 25 deliveries. While the entire English bowling unit did well to restrict India to 129, Ravi Bopara was the pick of the bowlers (3/20 in 4 overs).

The hosts’ top order found it tough during their innings too. Eoin Morgan and Bopara stabilized the innings and it seemed as if their side would comfortably make it across the finish line. Ishant Sharma’s double strike changed the game on its head. Ravichandran Ashwin was successful in defending 14 in the final over of the game. MS Dhoni became the first skipper to win all three major ICC limited-overs trophies.

Also Check- Champions Trophy 2025: IND vs NZ Final Predictions – Winner, Most Runs, Most Wickets & Player of the Match

1. England vs West Indies, The Oval (2004)

Courtesy of Marcus Trescothick, 104 out of the 194 runs which England scored, came off the bat (excluding 23 extras) of the former opener. The second leading run-getter was Ashley Giles, registering 31 off 37 deliveries. Fascinating enough, the West Indian top-order batter, Wavell Hinds, returned exemplary figures (3/24) that also included three maiden overs as well. England were bundled out for 217 in 49.4 overs.

West Indies were in massive trouble at five-down on a score of 80 during the run-chase. Key players like Ramnaresh Sarwan and captain, Brian Lara, had been dismissed without contributing much. Shivnarine Chanderpaul fought it out for his 47 at the crease. It was looking all but over for West Indies after they lost their eighth wicket. However, iconic 30s from wicketkeeper-batter, Courtney Browne, and Ian Bradshaw meant that the Men in Maroon clinched the game by two wickets with seven deliveries to spare.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this news article is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and perspective. Readers are encouraged to evaluate the details thoughtfully and draw their own conclusions.

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