Since its inception in 1998, the ICC Champions Trophy has undergone various changes. The current format consists of eight teams, split into two groups of four, followed by semi-finals and a final to determine the champion.
Over the years, many bowlers have produced match-winning performances in the tournament, leading their teams to incredible victories. In this article, we highlight the top five best bowling figures in ICC Champions Trophy history.
5. Mervyn Dillon – 5/29 vs Bangladesh, 2004, Southampton
West Indies fast bowler Mervyn Dillon delivered an exceptional performance during their group-stage match against Bangladesh at the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 in Southampton. Defending a target of 269, Dillon’s remarkable spell of 5/29 in 10 overs kept West Indies in the contest. He dismissed three of the top four Bangladesh batsmen, leading his team to a comfortable 138-run victory.
4. Makhaya Ntini – 5/21 vs Pakistan, 2006, Mohali
Makhaya Ntini claimed a brilliant five-wicket haul against Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy 2006 at Mohali. Batting first, South Africa posted a competitive 213, thanks to Mark Boucher’s 69. Ntini’s outstanding 5/21 included the crucial wicket of Younis Khan, and his performance guided South Africa to a dominant 124-run win, earning him the Player of the Match award.
3. Shahid Afridi – 5/11 vs Kenya, 2004, Birmingham
Leg-spinner Shahid Afridi was the star of Pakistan’s victory over Kenya in the ICC Champions Trophy 2004 in Birmingham. Afridi’s brilliant 5/11 helped Pakistan restrict Kenya to a meager 94 runs. Alongside Shoaib Malik, who took three wickets, Afridi’s performance set up a comfortable seven-wicket win for Pakistan.
2. Josh Hazlewood – 6/52 vs New Zealand, 2017, Birmingham
Josh Hazlewood’s remarkable 6/52 against New Zealand in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy group stage match in Birmingham was a masterclass in fast bowling. Defending a total of 291, Hazlewood took down key players, including Martin Guptill and James Neesham, as he restricted New Zealand to 291. The match, however, was interrupted by rain and ended without a result after nine overs of Australia’s innings.
1. Farveez Maharoof – 6/14 vs West Indies, 2006, Brabourne
Farveez Maharoof, the former Sri Lankan pacer, holds the record for the best bowling figures in Champions Trophy history. His spectacular 6/14 in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy qualifying match against West Indies in Brabourne helped Sri Lanka bowl out West Indies for just 80 runs. Maharoof’s key wickets included legends like Brian Lara and Marlon Samuels, leading Sri Lanka to a dominant nine-wicket victory.