Introduction
Champions Trophy cricket is all about big performances. From Sachin Tendulkar to Virat Kohli, the best players in the world have always shone on the big stage.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the 10 greatest individual performances in the history of Champions Trophy cricket. These are the players who have shown up when it matters most and delivered spectacular displays of cricketing brilliance. The upcoming ICC Champions Trophy will be held in 2025 in Pakistan.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 best individual performances in Champions Trophy history!
Sachin Tendulkar – India vs Pakistan, 2004
You may not remember this, but Sachin Tendulkar played one of the greatest innings of his career against Pakistan in the 2004 Champions Trophy. He made a whopping 136 runs off just 125 balls, and it was enough to take India to victory.
This inning was so important because it came at a time when Pakistan was the favourite to win the tournament. Sachin completely destroyed their bowling attack, and his performance set the tone for India’s eventual victory.
It’s one of the greatest innings in Champions Trophy history, and it’s definitely worth remembering.
Matthew Hayden – Australia vs England, 2005
You might not remember Matthew Hayden, but back in 2005, he put on an absolute show against England. In a group stage match at the Champions Trophy, Hayden smashed 181 runs off just 135 balls, including 10 sixes and 12 fours. His innings were the highest score ever in a Champions Trophy match at the time and helped Australia break the record for the highest total in the tournament’s history. Simply put, he dominated the English bowlers and showed them who was boss.
Shahid Afridi – Pakistan vs Sri Lanka, 2009
You might remember Shahid Afridi’s amazing performance against Sri Lanka in the 2009 Champions Trophy. He scored 102 off just 52 balls, including 12 sixes, to help Pakistan win the match.
It was a match that will always be remembered for Afridi’s astonishing batting display. He was simply unstoppable and completely demolished the Sri Lankan bowling attack.
This innings was a perfect example of why Afridi is such a dangerous player when he gets going. He can take apart even the best bowling line-ups with ease, and he always seems to save his best performances for the big tournaments.
Virat Kohli – India vs Pakistan, 2017
So, we come to the performance of the current captain and all-time great Virat Kohli. This one is a bit more recent but no less impressive. In the 2017 Champions Trophy final against Pakistan, Kohli smashed century after century, breaking records and leading India to an emphatic victory.
It was a performance that will go down in history, and one that firmly established Kohli as one of the all-time greats in One-Day International cricket. If you want to see true greatness in action, then watch Kohli’s batting against Pakistan in the 2017 Champions Trophy final. It’s a sight you won’t forget any time soon.
AB De Villiers – South Africa vs New Zealand, 2013
We’re getting close to the end now, and next up is AB De Villiers’s innings against New Zealand in 2013. This one definitely deserves a spot on the list.
De Villiers smashed an unbeaten 162 off 134 balls, which included 16 boundaries and 6 sixes. It was a masterclass in hitting from one of the most exciting batsmen in the world.
The Proteas went on to win the match by 73 runs, and De Villiers was named man of the match. It was a performance that showed why he’s so highly rated by cricket fans all over the world.
Jacques Kallis – South Africa vs Australia, 2009
Kallis is a legend of the game, and his performance in the 2009 Champions Trophy was nothing short of legendary. Batting at number three, Kallis smashed a century off just 86 balls, setting the tone for South Africa’s victory over Australia.
It was an innings that had everything—power, precision, and timing. And it was an innings that showed just why Kallis is considered one of the greatest batsmen of all time. If you get a chance, make sure you watch it—it’s a real treat to see.
Mahela Jayawardene – Sri Lanka vs New Zealand, 2002
It’s hard to choose just one performance from the Champions Trophy, but if we had to, Mahela Jayawardene’s knock against New Zealand in 2002 would be up there with the best of them.
Jayawardene made 221 from just 265 balls, helping Sri Lanka to a total of 367/5 and securing a famous victory over the Kiwis. His innings were packed full of classical shots and stylish boundaries and is still considered one of the greatest innings played in the tournament’s history.
So far, no one has been able to better Jayawardene’s efforts, and there’s a good chance that his record will stand for many years to come.
Kane Williamson – New Zealand vs Australia, 2015
It’s hard to look past Kane Williamson’s blistering innings against Australia in the 2015 Champions Trophy. Playing in a virtual semi-final, Williamson smashed an unbeaten 87 from 58 balls to steer New Zealand to a dramatic one-wicket victory.
What made Williamson’s innings so special was the pressure he was under. With New Zealand struggling at 6/92 in the 18th over, Williamson came to the crease and calmness personified. He played some trademark drives and dispatched the spinners over the ropes with ease.
When it was all over, Williamson had become the first player ever to score an unbeaten fifty in a knockout match of the Champions Trophy. An incredible achievement that will long be remembered by cricket fans all over the world.
Rahul Dravid – India vs Sri Lanka, 1999
So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the 10 greatest individual performances in the history of Champions Trophy cricket. And who better to start with than the Wall himself, Rahul Dravid?
Dravid had already made a name for himself as one of the most reliable batsmen in the world, but it was his performance against Sri Lanka in the 1999 Champions Trophy that really cemented his status as a cricketing legend. Batting at number three, Dravid smashed 131 not out from just 145 balls, including 14 boundaries and 2 sixes.
His innings helped India to a total of 273/8, and they went on to win the match by 10 wickets. It was an incredible display of skill and determination, and it’s no wonder that Dravid is considered one of the greatest batsmen to ever play the game.
Joe Root – England vs Bangladesh, 2015
Number 10 on our list is Joe Root’s sublime innings against Bangladesh in 2015. This was a must-win game for England if they wanted to stay alive in the tournament, and Root stepped up in a big way.
He came to the crease when England was in a bit of trouble, but he calmly got them back on track with a stylish century. He batted with great composure and never looked flustered, even when the pressure was on.
In the end, England won the game by quite a margin, and Root’s innings was hailed as one of the best ever played in a Champions Trophy match.
Conclusion
The ICC Champions Trophy is always a great tournament, and there have been some truly amazing individual performances over the years.
So, there you have it – the 10 best individual performances in the history of the Champions Trophy.
