Courtesy: ICC
ICC Champions Trophy has delivered a lot of memories to cricket fans with their blockbuster matches. In the 27-year history of the ODI extravaganza, ardent supporters of this sport have also witnessed games where some teams who were struggling held their nerves and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat. In the Champions Trophy 2025, cricket buffs have got to see another major turnaround in Lahore. In this article, SportsTiger brings you the list of five upsets in the history of ICC Champions Trophy.
5 Biggest upsets in Champions Trophy history
5. West Indies defeating England in 2004 Final
Hosts England reached the Champions Trophy 2004 final after beating Australia in the semis. Their convincing victory against the Aussies in the knockout game landed them in the final as the favourites against the West Indies. Batting first, the English side posted 217 runs in 49.4 overs and West Indies saw themselves in trouble after they lost their eight batters at score of 147 in 33.4 overs. With 71 required off 98, wicket-keeper batter Courtney Browne along with Ian Bradshaw stood at the crease and took the team home. Bradshaw stood tall and took the Windies side home with his unbeaten 34 off 51.
4. India defeating South Africa in 2002 Semi-Final
In the second semi-final of the Champions Trophy 2002, when India and South Africa squared off with each other in Colombo, the latter was heading towards a comfortable win while chasing 262. At the score of 182, the Proteas side had lost only one wicket, but things changed after Herschelle Gibbs, who looked sensational with his bat, returned to the dugout after getting retired hurt. India, who were in the perilous situation, made a comeback after picking up Jonty Rhodes.
The Proteas justified their chokers tag as they failed to chase down the target despite having a command over the game. With the last 70 deliveries left in the game, they were required to score as many runs with eight wickets in hand, but the 1998 title winners failed to hold their nerves and fell 10 runs short in the end. Virender Sehwag, who racked up 59 off 58 and 3/25 figures in his five-over spell, became the player of the match (POTM).
3. Pakistan defeating England in 2017 Semi-Final
Before the semi-final between England and Pakistan in Cardiff, the latter was considered the underdogs as the English side were unbeaten in the competition. However, Pakistan’s bowling attack stepped up and folded the hosts on 211 in 49.5 overs. The Men in Green won the contest by eight wickets and Hasan Ali starred with the ball as he grabbed 3/35 figures in his 10-over spell, and also got the POTM award.
2. Afghanistan defeating England in 2025
Afghanistan have performed the biggest turnaround of the ongoing Champions Trophy 2025 after handing England an eight-run defeat in Lahore. Batting first after winning the toss, the Afghan side racked up 325/7 in their 50 overs. Ibrahim Zadran hit 177 off 146 and became the batter with the highest individual score in the history of the 50-over tournament. Following the score, England failed to counter Azmatullah Omarzai, who grabbed a fifer in his 9.5-over spell.
1. Bangladesh defeating New Zealand in 2017
In 2017, Bangladesh got the better of New Zealand in Cardiff by five wickets and made it to the semi-final of an ICC event for the first time. Batting first, the Kiwi side put up 265 runs. Pursuing the target, the Bangla team lost three batters at a score of 12, but Shakib Al Hasan didn’t lose hope and produced an amazing knock of 114 off 115. He received support from Mahmudullah, who took the team home with his unbeaten 102 off 107.
