Take a bow, Shane Watson – 5 things you never knew about the Champions Trophy

Although it hasn’t been played since 2017, the ICC Champions Trophy has been a staple of the cricketing calenda since it was first played in 1998.
As the ICC’s other big 50 over event outside the World Cup it has many thrilling matches and memorable moments over the years.
While it might be overshadowed by the Cricket World Cup, the tournament has its own rich history and unique quirks. Here are five intriguing facts you might not know about the ICC Champions Trophy.
1. Changes in name and format
The ICC Champions Trophy didn’t start with its current name. Initially called the ICC Knock Out Trophy when it was first held in 1998, the tournament’s format was a knockout competition, with teams facing elimination after a single loss.
The name was changed to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2002, reflecting a shift towards a more traditional round-robin format. Despite its evolution, many still fondly recall the early knockout days, where every match was a do-or-die affair.
2. The only major ICC tournament to produce joint winners
The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy in Sri Lanka holds the distinction of being the only major ICC tournament that has ended with joint winners. India and Sri Lanka were declared co-champions after rain washed out the final on two consecutive days.
Despite the best efforts to play a decisive match, the weather didn’t cooperate, leaving the teams to share the trophy. This unique outcome has never been replicated in any other ICC event, making the 2002 tournament a standout in cricket history.
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3. Sachin Tendulkar’s all round master class
Sachin Tendulkar, also know as the Little Master, is a player revered for his batting achievements – and there are many. But as much as it is his batting that stands out, he had plenty more to offer as he demonstrated back in 1998 when he single-handedly dismantled Australia.
Opening the batting Tendulkar could only watch as his side were reduced to two for eight. First with Rahul Dravid (48) and then with Ajay Jadeja (71) Tendulkar set about rebuilding the innings as he stroked his way to 141 from 128 balls.
India posted a superb score of 307 for eight, but Tendulkar wasn’t done yet. Bowling fifth change with a mix off and leg-spinners Tendulkar removed Steve Waugh, Michael Bevan, Damien Martyn and Brad Young to finish with figures of 9.1-0-38-4. It was the best all-round display in the Champions Trophy and, not surprisingly, it earned him the Man of the Match accolade.
4. South Africa’s moment in the sun
Unlike the Cricket World Cup, which has seen a variety of winners, the ICC Champions Trophy has been dominated by a few teams. India and Australia are the most successful sides in the tournament’s history, each winning it twice.
India claimed the trophy in 2002 (jointly with Sri Lanka) and 2013, while Australia took home the honours in 2006 and 2009. Interestingly, both teams have consistently reached the latter stages of the tournament, reflecting their prowess in the shorter format of the game. But it is for South Africa that the tournament holds a special significance.
Despite their dominance for large parts of the last 30 years, the Proteas have a terrible record in ICC events. Their win in 1998 is still the only time South Africa have won a major ICC title.
5. Sensational century in key games
In the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman made headlines with his explosive batting in the final against India. While he didn’t score the fastest century in the tournament’s history, it was one of the most memorable.
The highest score in the tournament belongs to New Zealand’s Nathan Astle, who smashed 145 runs against the USA in 2004. Other big scores include Andy Flower’s brave one-man stand for Zimbabwe against India in 2002 (a knock that saw him score 53 percent of his team’s’ runs) and Shane Watson’s back-to-back tons in the semi-final and final of the tournament in 2009.
Opening the batting Watson scored an undefeated 105 in the final against New Zealand to follow up on his semi-final contribution against England – another undefeated knock, this time of 136 runs.
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