On this day, under the dark and rain-filled clouds of Edgbaston, the traditional 50-over Champions Trophy final match was cut short to just 20 overs, where Team India achieved one of the most nail-biting victories over England, winning by just 5 runs!
This day was even more special as M.S. Dhoni became the only captain (then) to have won all three ICC trophies. Besides that, our own Ravindra Jadeja was awarded Man of the Match. Not just that he also ended as the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
Having the home ground and winning the toss, the English decided to bowl first. The opening duo of Shikhar Dhawan (the fairytale top scorer of the tournament) and Rohit Sharma walked onto a dry and crumbly pitch. They started their innings cautiously, making their way to 16 runs in the first 3 overs. Just then, Rohit attempted a front-foot drive but left some space between pad and bat, allowing enough room for the ball to sneak in and bowl him.
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A solid partnership followed between Dhawan and Kohli, adding 31 runs for the second wicket and taking India to 50/2 in 8.2 overs. But then came a shocker India’s middle order, consisting of Karthik, Dhoni, and Raina, completely collapsed, contributing just 7 runs combined. India was reduced to 66/5 (12.6 overs). The longest stand came from Kohli and Jadeja. The final score was 129/7, with Dhawan scoring 31(24), Kohli 43(34), and Jadeja 33*(25).
https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1407629220466114565
England were favourites to win with their strong lineup. Openers Cook and Bell started cautiously but lost two early wickets. Eoin Morgan and Jonathan Trott steadied the innings with 33(30) and 20(17) respectively. After Trott’s fall, England were 40/3, but by the 17th over, they reached 102/4. With 28 runs needed and 6 wickets in hand, the game was in their control until Ishant Sharma struck twice, removing Morgan and Bopara in back-to-back deliveries.
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In the 18th over, Jadeja cleaned up two more batsmen, and suddenly the score was 115/8. England needed 15 off the last 6 balls. Ashwin was handed the ball. A boundary came. Then 7 were needed off 2. A rapid double followed. Final ball: Ashwin vs Tredwell, six needed. Tredwell swung… and missed!
This win wasn’t just about one match it was a display of India’s dominance throughout the tournament, going undefeated and showcasing both grit and flair. It marked the end of an era, the final edition of the ICC Champions Trophy (until its revival).
