By Kevin Rademeyer.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy is back, and the 2025 edition promises to reignite cricket’s grandest rivalries. Set to commence on February 19, Pakistan will open their campaign against New Zealand in a high-stakes encounter. Meanwhile, South Africa will begin their journey on February 21 against Afghanistan, before locking horns with two of their fiercest competitors—Australia and England. With the tournament’s rich history of breathtaking finishes, stunning upsets, and heroic performances, the stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in cricketing excellence.
The ICC Men’s Champions Trophy has consistently delivered thrilling encounters, showcasing the finest talent in world cricket. With seven different winners across just eight editions, the tournament’s unpredictability and prestige are unparalleled. Here, we look back at five of the most memorable matches in its 27-year history.
2002: India vs South Africa
Virender Sehwag’s aggressive batting often proved match-winning for India, but on this occasion, it was his off-spin that made the difference.
India, powered by Sehwag’s 58-ball 59 and Yuvraj Singh’s 62, posted a competitive 261 for nine. South Africa seemed in control as Herschelle Gibbs crafted a magnificent 116, forming a formidable partnership with Jacques Kallis. However, Gibbs’ retirement due to injury triggered a dramatic collapse, with Harbhajan Singh and Sehwag leading India’s fightback. Sehwags crucial wickets, including those of Kallis, Mark Boucher, and Lance Klusener, sealed a thrilling 10-run victory. Although the final against Sri Lanka was washed out, India shared the trophy with the hosts.
2004: England vs West Indies
England appeared set to claim their maiden ICC title in the final at The Oval, thanks to a century from Marcus Trescothick and a disciplined bowling display. When Shivnarine Chanderpaul departed at 147 for eight, West Indies still required 81 runs with no recognized batters remaining.
Enter Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw. The pair produced one of the most remarkable lower-order partnerships under pressure, guiding West Indies to victory with just seven balls to spare. Their resilience ensured an unforgettable triumph.
2009: South Africa vs England
Centurion provided the setting for one of the great high-scoring encounters in Champions Trophy history. England, spearheaded by Owais Shah’s blistering 98 (featuring six sixes), posted a formidable 323 for eight. Eoin Morgan contributed with a fluent knock, while Paul Collingwood anchored the innings with 82.
In response, Graeme Smith led South Africa’s chase with a commanding 141. However, despite his heroics, England’s bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who claimed three wickets each, ensured a hard-fought victory and a place in the knockout stages.
2013: New Zealand vs Sri Lanka
Low-scoring thrillers often produce the most intense battles, and this contest in Cardiff was no exception. Sri Lanka struggled to 138, unable to counter New Zealand’s left-arm pacer Mitchell McClenaghan, who took four for 43.
New Zealand initially seemed in control at 48 for one, but a sudden collapse, losing Kane Williamson, Ross Taylor, and Martin Guptill in quick succession, put them under severe pressure. Nathan McCullum’s composed 32 proved invaluable as the Black Caps scraped home with one wicket in hand, cementing this as a true classic.
2017: Pakistan vs India
A final featuring the fiercest rivals in world cricket was always destined for drama. Pakistan delivered a stunning performance, amassing 338 for four, powered by Fakhar Zaman’s breathtaking 114.
Defending their total, Mohammad Amir produced a devastating spell, dismissing Rohit Sharma early and removing Virat Kohli in the third over. India’s batting lineup crumbled under relentless pressure, managing only 158 as Pakistan secured their first Champions Trophy title. This victory completed their ICC trophy collection, adding to their 1992 Cricket World Cup and 2009 T20 World Cup triumphs.