The ICC Champions Trophy was launched in 1998 by the International Cricket Council (ICC) to inject more thrill into ODI cricket during the four-year gap between World Cups. Since its inception, the tournament has witnessed eight editions in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2009, 2013, and 2017. Among the participating nations, Australia and India have dominated the event, clinching the title twice each.
Known for its high-stakes nature, where a single loss can lead to elimination, the Champions Trophy has delivered some unforgettable finals. In this article, we will explore the top five highest team totals in Champions Trophy finals.
5. South Africa – 248/6 vs West Indies, 1998, Dhaka
In the 1998 ICC Champions Trophy final (then known as the ICC Knockout Trophy), South Africa secured their maiden and only ICC trophy by defeating West Indies in Dhaka.
Chasing a target of 246, South Africa’s captain Hansie Cronje led from the front with an unbeaten 61 off 77 balls. Solid contributions from Mike Rindel (49), Jacques Kallis (37), and Dale Benkenstein (27) helped guide the Proteas to a four-wicket victory with three overs to spare. Kallis, who also claimed five wickets, was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance.
4. New Zealand – 251/7 vs India, 2025, Dubai
In the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy final held in Dubai, New Zealand triumphed over India. After winning the toss and opting to bat, the Kiwis scored 69 runs for the loss of one wicket in the first powerplay. However, their progress slowed as they managed just 103 runs in the next 20 overs. A late surge, scoring 79 runs in the final 10 overs, propelled them to a total of 251.
Daryl Mitchell (63 off 101), Michael Bracewell (53* off 40), Rachin Ravindra (37 off 29), and Glenn Phillips (34 off 52) were the key contributors for New Zealand.
3. India – 264/6 vs New Zealand, 2000, Nairobi
In the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy final (formerly the ICC Knockout Trophy) against New Zealand in Nairobi, India posted their highest total in the tournament’s final.
Openers Sachin Tendulkar (69) and Sourav Ganguly (117) set the foundation with a 141-run partnership. However, India lost momentum in the final stages, managing only 63 runs in the last 11 overs to finish at 264/6. Despite the strong total, New Zealand’s Chris Cairns scored a brilliant century to secure a four-wicket victory for his side.
2. New Zealand – 265/6 vs India, 2000, Nairobi
New Zealand holds the record for the highest successful run chase in an ICC Champions Trophy final. This historic achievement came against India in the 2000 final in Nairobi.
Chasing 265, New Zealand found themselves struggling at 132/5. However, Chris Cairns and Chris Harris forged a match-winning 122-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Cairns remained unbeaten with a magnificent 102 off 113 balls, leading his team to a four-wicket victory. His stellar performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
1. Pakistan – 338/4 vs India, 2017, The Oval
Pakistan set the highest-ever team total in an ICC Champions Trophy final, scoring 338/4 against India at The Oval in London in 2017.
Opening batsman Fakhar Zaman led the charge with a blistering 114 off 106 balls, while Mohammad Hafeez provided the finishing touch with a rapid 57 off just 37 deliveries. Pakistan’s dominant batting display paved the way for a resounding 180-run victory, marking one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.