Champions Trophy, A Trip Down Memory Lane:
As we approach the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, anticipation builds. This time, the tournament, under a 'Hybrid Model', will be hosted by Pakistan. Matches will unfold across three cities in Pakistan—Rawalpindi, Karachi, Lahore—and Dubai. The opening clash between Pakistan and New Zealand is slated for February 19 in Karachi, while the Indian team's campaign kicks off in Dubai against Bangladesh on February 20.
An Epic Chapter in Champions Trophy History...
Looking back, the Champions Trophy has been graced with exhilarating encounters. Particularly memorable is the 2004 final, where West Indies' tailenders snatched victory from England's grasp. This remarkable win marked West Indies' first Champions Trophy triumph, leaving England's title hopes shattered. It's counted among the tournament's most thrilling matches.
Source: aajtak
That fateful match, played on September 25, 2004, in London's 'The Oval', saw hosts England batting first after losing the toss, setting a respectable score of 217 runs in 49.4 overs. Opener Marcus Trescothick top-scored with 104 runs off 124 balls, including 14 boundaries. Only Ashley Giles (31), Andrew Strauss (18), and Paul Collingwood (16) reached double digits.
A crucial seventh-wicket partnership between Ashley Giles and Marcus Trescothick added 63 runs, aiding the English team to a respectable total. For West Indies, part-timer Wavell Hinds took the limelight by clinching three wickets. Ian Bradshaw also made a mark with two wickets, while Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo chipped in with one each.
Chasing 218 runs, West Indies got off to a shaky start, losing half their side for 80 runs. Chris Gayle (23), Wavell Hinds (3), Ramnaresh Sarwan (5), captain Brian Lara (14), and Dwayne Bravo (0) failed to deliver. Shivnarine Chanderpaul, however, stood resilient, scoring 47 runs off 66 balls, supported by six boundaries.
The Game-Changing Duo: Bradshaw and Browne...
When Chanderpaul was dismissed in the 34th over, West Indies were teetering at 147 for 8, staring at imminent defeat. But what followed was sheer brilliance as batsmen at number 9 and 10, Courtney Browne, and Ian Bradshaw turned the tables. Their unbroken 71-run stand for the ninth wicket led the West Indies to a spectacular win, with 7 balls to spare, and just 2 wickets in hand.
Source: aajtak
Wicketkeeper Courtney Browne remained undefeated with 35 runs from 55 deliveries, decorating his innings with two fours, while Bradshaw returned unbeaten on 34 from 51 balls, having hit five fours in his maiden innings. From England, Andrew Flintoff was the pick of the bowlers, claiming three wickets, while Paul Collingwood and Steve Harmison each accounted for two dismissals. Ian Bradshaw was named 'Player of the Match', with Ramnaresh Sarwan honored as 'Player of the Series'.
India's Lackluster Performance
The Indian squad, led by Sourav Ganguly, had a disappointing run in the 2004 Champions Trophy, failing to make it to the semifinals. India suffered a 3-wicket loss to Pakistan in a group match. The Pakistani team advanced to the semifinals, only to be defeated by West Indies by seven wickets, while England secured their place in the final by outshining Australia with a six-wicket win.
England's Playing XI in the 2004 Champions Trophy Final:
Steve Harmison, Darren Gough, Alex Wharf, Ashley Giles, Geraint Jones (wicketkeeper), Paul Collingwood, Andrew Flintoff, Andrew Strauss, Michael Vaughan (captain), Vikram Solanki, Marcus Trescothick.
West Indies' Playing XI in the 2004 Champions Trophy Final:
Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Brian Lara (captain), Ramnaresh Sarwan, Wavell Hinds, Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo, Ryan Hinds, Ricardo Powell, Courtney Browne (wicketkeeper), Ian Bradshaw, Corey Collymore.
