Champions Trophy records and statistics – top wicket-taker at each of the 8 editions
On Wednesday, the cricket world’s focus will turn to Pakistan and the start of the Champions Trophy.
The stars from each of the strongest eight ODI nations will go head-to-head to see who can claim the second-biggest trophy in 50-over cricket after the World Cup.
As we prepare for two and a half weeks of full-on cricket action, let’s take a moment to go back in time and see who led the way as top performers with the ball at the previous iterations of the tournament.
1. Bangladesh, 1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa)
8 wickets for 112 runs at an average of 14
The inaugural edition of the tournament, then known as the ICC Knock Out Trophy, saw South Africa emerge victorious. Jacques Kallis played a crucial role with the ball, picking up 8 wickets at an outstanding average of 14.
His ability to swing the ball and maintain tight control helped propel the Proteas to their first and only ICC trophy. His standout performance came in the final when he returned figures of five for 30.
2. Kenya, 2000 – Venkatesh Prasad (India)
8 wickets for 171 runs at an average of 21.37
India made it to the final of the 2000 ICC Knock Out Trophy but fell short against New Zealand. However, Venkatesh Prasad was a standout performer with the ball, finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker.
His ability to extract bounce and seam movement proved invaluable on the slower tracks of Nairobi. With an excellent slower ball in his arsenal, Prasad played a total of 161 ODIs and claimed 196 wickets.
3. Sri Lanka, 2002 – Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka)
10 wickets for 70 runs at an average of 7
The 2002 Champions Trophy was a rain-affected tournament, resulting in Sri Lanka and India being declared joint winners.
Muttiah Muralitharan was the star with the ball, spinning a web around opposition batters with his magical off-spin and myriad variations. His astonishing economy rate and wicket-taking ability made him an invaluable asset on home soil.
4. England, 2004 – Andrew Flintoff (England)
9 wickets for 126 runs at an average of 14
Andrew Flintoff was England’s go-to bowler in the 2004 Champions Trophy, delivering with both pace and precision.
Although England lost in the final to the West Indies, Flintoff’s performances throughout the tournament were instrumental in getting them that far. His ability to strike at key moments made him one of the most feared all-rounders of his era.
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5. India, 2006 – Jerome Taylor (West Indies)
13 wickets for 287 runs at an average of 22.07
Jerome Taylor led the West Indies attack with sheer pace and accuracy in the 2006 edition. His hat-trick against Australia in the group stage was one of the standout moments of the tournament.
With Australia needing 21 runs from 14 balls and with four wickets standing, Taylor bowled Michael Hussey, had Brett Lee trapped LBW and then bowled Brad Hogg. Though the West Indies couldn’t defend their title, Taylor’s contributions with the ball were undeniable.
6. South Africa, 2009 – Wayne Parnell (South Africa)
11 wickets for 196 runs at an average of 17.81
In the 2009 Champions Trophy, Wayne Parnell emerged as South Africa’s most potent wicket-taker. His left-arm pace and ability to swing the new ball made him a dangerous asset in home conditions.
Despite South Africa’s early exit, Parnell’s performances ensured his reputation as a future leader of their bowling attack.
7. England, 2013 – Ravindra Jadeja (India)
12 wickets for 154 runs at an average of 12.83
India’s 2013 Champions Trophy triumph was built on a strong bowling attack, with Ravindra Jadeja leading the charge. His left-arm spin was particularly effective in English conditions, and his control and accuracy kept batters in check.
Jadeja’s contributions were crucial in India lifting the trophy, and he was named the tournament’s best bowler. He will be hoping to repeat the feat 12 years later as he heads to Pakistan with the Indian side.
8. England, 2017 – Hasan Ali (Pakistan)
13 wickets for 191 runs at an average of 14.69
Pakistan’s fairytale run in the 2017 Champions Trophy was fuelled by Hasan Ali’s exceptional performances. His ability to generate movement off the pitch and bowl deadly slower balls made him the highest wicket-taker of the tournament.
His three-wicket haul in the final against India played a massive role in Pakistan’s historic triumph. His return of 13 wickets is the most (along with Jerome Taylor), by any bowler in the tournament.
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