2. New Zealand – 2000
Much like South Africa, New Zealand too registered their only triumph at an ICC event till date in the 2000 ICC Knock-out Trophy. The event was hosted by Kenya, witnessed New Zealand and India progress to the final. The Balck Caps chased down the target of 265 with help of a fine century by Chris Cairns against India. Despite Indian skipper, Sourav Ganguly’s hundred and some brilliant bowling by Venkatesh Prasad, India ended up on the losing side.
However, both the Indians were at the top charts in the two departments. Ganguly scored 348 runs at a stunning average of 116, while Venkatesh Prasad finished with 8 wickets.
3. India and Sri Lanka – 2002
In 2002, the name of the tournament was changed to the ICC Champions Trophy. Runners-up in 2000, India got one step closer to claiming the title for themselves. The 12-team tournament came towards the conclusion when the hosts Sri Lanka and India locked horns in the final.
Unfortunately for both teams, rain washed out the hopes of what could have been a great final. The hosts put up 244 in 50 overs. India responded with 14-0 when rain played spoilsport. Both teams were back on the reserve day, with Sri Lanka scoring 222 in their first innings. The rain again washed the game away after 8 overs into the chase, leaving India stranded at 38-1. Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya went on to share the trophy. India’s Virender Sehwag top-scored in the tournament with 271 runs under his belt, while Muttiah Muralitharan led the wicket-takers with 10 wickets.
4. West Indies -2004
England hosted the 2004 edition of the ICC Champions Trophy and the hosts even managed to get to the final. Meanwhile, the West Indies defeated Pakistan in the semis to set up the summit clash against England.
The Oval witnessed a low-scoring clash, with England putting up a modest total of 217 on the board. Despite floundering at 147 for 8, the West Indies reached the victory thanks to a flexible stand by Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw. The duo put on an unbeaten 71-run partnership to hand West Indies their maiden Champions Trophy title.
Although Marcus Trescothick and Andrew Flintoff were the leading run-scorer and the leading wicket-taker respectively. However, the player of the series award was given to Ramnaresh Sarwan. He scored 166 runs at an average of 83 through during the tournament.
