The ICC Champions Trophy has long been a theatre of dreams, where cricketing big clashes and underdogs rise to create magic moments. Since its foundation in 1998, the tournament has delivered countless memorable matches that left fans on the edge of their seats. Here, we take a journey through the top 10 matches in ICC Champions Trophy history, reliving the drama, emotion, and brilliance that define this esteemed tournament.

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1. India vs. Pakistan, Final (2017) The Unlikely Winner

For Pakistan, the 2017 Champions Trophy final was a tale of atonement. Written off before the competition, Pakistan entered India for the championship game. Fakhar Zaman’s first ODI century blasted away India’s batting, and Pakistan won the historic game on an enraged spell by Mohammad Amir.

• Venue: The Oval, London
• Result: Pakistan won by 180 runs

This was about the belief and revival of a country, not only about cricket.

2. The Youngsters Shine: Group Stage 2017 Sri Lanka against India

• Venue: The Oval, London
• Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets

Young energy drove Sri Lanka’s relentless chase of 322 against a tough Indian team in the 2017 group stage. The alliance between Kusal Mendis and Danushka Gunathilaka started the favorites and served as a sobering reminder of Sri Lanka’s potential.

3. Rain and Glory: Final 2013 India Against England

• Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Result: India won by 5 runs

Though a 20 over encounter added fresh intensity, rain threatened to wash away India’s ambitions in the 2013 final. Although 129 appeared to be a small overall score, Ravindra Jadeja and Ishant Sharma wrote a fantastic ending for India. The story of the day was MS Dhoni’s calm leadership; he became the first skipper to take home all three ICC trophies.

4. Ashes in ODIs – England vs. Australia, Group Stage (2013)

• Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
• Result: England won by 48 runs

England’s bowling outclass Australia in a fiercely competitive group stage game between rivals. The anchor was Jonathan Trott’s 82; James Anderson’s period served as England’s clincher.

5. The Aussie Machine: Australia against New Zealand, Final (2009) 

• Venue: Centurion, South Africa
• Result: Australia won by 6 wickets

The second Champions Trophy championship Australia won in 2009 was evidence of their supremacy. With New Zealand limited to 200, Shane Watson’s century made the chase simple. This game proved Australia’s capacity for winning under pressure and maintaining top position.

6. A tough contest – Pakistan vs. South Africa, Group Stage (2006)

• Venue: Mohali, India
• Result: Pakistan won by 3 wickets

Pakistan pursued South Africa’s 201 with pure will in one of the closest group-stage games of the competition. Champions Trophy records Abdul Razzaq’s 38 and inspired bowling performance.

7. The Oval, London, Final ( 2004) West Indies against England

• Venue: The Oval, London
• Result: West Indies won by 2 wickets

The 2004 final was a trip of emotions. Early England ruled and pursued 218 with West Indies 147/8. Then Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw batched together without stopping, and their tenacity and will win the game. West Indies cricket has to get better.

8. India v. South Africa (2002) – a Semi-final Thriller

• Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
• Result: India won by 10 runs

India’s 2002 semi-final vs South Africa was a near call-off. Pursuing 261, India made the final and won by 10 runs, depending on Virender Sehwag’s and Harbhajan Singh’s bowling.

9. The First Glory: Final 1998 South Africa against West Indies

• Venue: Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Result: South Africa won by 4 wickets

With an all-around performance, Jacques Kallis carved his place in history in the debut Champions Trophy final. Pursuing 245, South Africa beat a vibrant West Indies team to take the first ICC title. The model for a flawless all-rounder became Kalli’s five wicket haul and calm innings.

10. New Zealand vs. India, Final (2000) Kiwi Masterclass

• Venue: Nairobi, Kenya
• Result: New Zealand won by 4 wickets

Unmatched 102 in the 2000 final against India still ranks among the best centuries in ICC history. Before Cairns overturned the tide to give the Kiwis their first ICC title, New Zealand’s search for 264 seemed dubious. The game included power and the core of cricketing genius.

Final Thoughts:

From spectacular comebacks to dominating displays, the ICC Champions Trophy has always highlighted the best moments in cricket. These top 10 games underline the event’s legacy as a venue for brilliance, drama, and lifelong memories. Fans all around the world look forward to the next chapter in this remarkable story as the Champions Trophy gets ready for its much-awaited comeback in 2025.

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