Cricket has certainly been a game of certain uncertainties, especially with the advent of the T20 format. As far as the ICC tournaments are concerned, the virtue of this sport becomes the toast of town.
The Champions Trophy, called initially as the ICC Knockout Cup in 1998, is often called as a mini-world cup featuring the top eight teams. The ODI tournament has witnessed some world class performances with a taste of some of the greatest turnarounds. Let’s take a quick look at some of the upsets in the history of Champions Trophy:
#5 England vs West Indies, Champions Trophy 2004 Final, Oval
England’s flamboyant victory in the semi final against Australia dispensed the “favourites” tag for the then upcoming final against West Indies. Both the teams hadn’t lost a single game in the tournament, though the home advantage was evidently with the Englishmen.
Having fielded first, considering the overcast conditions, West Indies’ slithering bowling display bowled England out on 217. In what could have been an easy chase, England were reduced to 147/8, thereby gaining the upper hand.
Also read: Champions Trophy 2017: 5 players you did not know who won the tournament
However, a miraculous 71-run stand between Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw for the 9th wicket salvaged the West Indies innings as they clinched their maiden Champions Trophy title.
#4 India vs South Africa, Champions Trophy 2002 Semi Final, Colombo
Having carried the haunting memories of 1999 World Cup, the Proteas once again failed to get rid of the ‘chokers’ tag in ICC events. Batting first in the crucial semi final, India managed to put up a decent 261 on the score board with major contributions from Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh.
Zaheer Khan got rid of Graeme Smith in the 2nd over of South African innings, while Herschelle Gibbs was off to a flyer. South Africa were marching on at 192/1 in the 37th over, when Gibbs went out retired hurt with a cramp. He virtually took away South Africa’s fortunes, as wickets started tumbling at regular intervals.
Jacques Kallis held one end, but none of the batsmen including Dippenaar, Rhodes, Boucher and Klusener accompanied him. India eventually restricted South Africa to 251 and sealed the ticket to final. Besides, Yuvraj’s flying catch at short fine leg was the highlight.
#3 India vs Sri Lanka, Champions Trophy 2017, Group Match, Oval
India’s encounter with Sri Lanka in the penultimate stage of the Champions Trophy 2013 was a one-sided affair. Virat Kohli’s side were expected to replicate that performance in the ongoing edition when they took on the Lankans in the second game of Group B.
Sri Lankan skipper Angelo Mathews won the toss and surprisingly opted to field on Oval’s flat deck. A 138-run opening stand by Shikhar Dhawan and Rohit Sharma, another 65 runs by MS Dhoni steered Indian score to 321, which seemed too steep for the inexperienced Sri Lankan side. But, Lankans had other plans.
Danushka Gunathilaka and Kusal Mendis added 159 for the 2nd wicket, following Dickwella’s departure. Although, India tried to stage a comeback with a couple of run outs, Mathews and Gunaratne comprehensively dispatched the Indian bowlers, getting the team to the finish line with 8 balls to spare.
#2 New Zealand vs South Africa, Champions Trophy 2006, Group Match, Mumbai
The Brabourne stadium in Mumbai has played host to a number of low-scoring games. West Indies registered the highest team total of 236/6 at Brabourne against Australia in 2006. Correspondingly, New Zealand won in an emphatic manner against South Africa in the Champions Trophy opener in 2006.
The Kiwis, being put on to bat, succumbed to Proteas’ bowling lineup, having been dismissed for a mere 196. None of the batsmen apart from skipper Stephen Fleming managed to get past the 50-run mark.
In their quest to defend the total, seamer Kyle Mills removed Dippenaar and Gibbs early on with Smith there in the middle. Mills along with Jacob Oram preluded the wicket-taking spree and with Jeetan Patel chipping in later, the Black Caps restricted South Africa to 108 to win the game by an incredible 87 runs.
#1 Bangladesh vs New Zealand, Champions Trophy 2017, Group Match, Cardiff
Ask anyone about the biggest turnarounds in Champions Trophy, rather in the history of ODI cricket, Bangladesh’s recent fightback against New Zealand will culminate. Both New Zealand and Bangladesh had to win their last group stage fixture in order to have any chance of going to the next stage.
New Zealand, batting first, started well but capitulated in the end to set up a target of 266 for Bangladesh. Skipper Kane Williamson and Ross Taylor led the Kiwi batting.
Bangladesh, while chasing an average but perilous total, were suddenly reduced to 33-4 in the 12th over. In came the stylish all-rounder Shakib Al Hasan and Mahmudullah. The duo stitched together a record stand of 224 runs, the highest for Bangladesh for any wicket in ODIs, also the highest fifth wicket stand in Champions Trophy.
The exhilarating tons by the duo ensured Bangladesh knocked New Zealand out of the tournament, having won the game by 5 wickets. After England’s victory over Australia, Bangladesh’s entry into the semi-finals was also confirmed.
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