The ICC Champions Trophy is considered one of the toughest tournaments in the ICC calendar, featuring the top eight ODI teams.
What sets this tournament apart is its condensed schedule. With fewer matches, a single loss can lead to a team’s early exit from the competition.
we will explore the five highest individual scores ever recorded in the history of the ICC Champions Trophy.
5. Graeme Smith – 141 vs England, Centurion, 2009
One of the finest captains of his time, Graeme Smith played a valiant knock for South Africa in the 2009 ICC Champions Trophy against England in Centurion. Chasing 324, South Africa lost wickets regularly, but Smith remained resolute, scoring 141 off 134 balls, including 16 fours. Despite his heroic effort, the lack of support from the other end saw South Africa fall short by 22 runs.
4. Sachin Tendulkar – 141 vs Australia, Dhaka, 1998
Regarded as one of the most consistent players in cricket history, Sachin Tendulkar was exceptional for India in the quarter-final of the 1998 Champions Trophy (then ICC Knockout Trophy) against Australia in Dhaka. Opening the innings, he made 141 off 128 balls, with 13 fours and 3 sixes. His 140-run partnership with Rahul Dravid helped India post 307/8, and they went on to win by 44 runs. Tendulkar was named Player of the Match for his outstanding performance.
3. Sourav Ganguly – 141 vs South Africa, Nairobi, 2000*
Sourav Ganguly’s finest moment came in the semi-finals of the 2000 ICC Champions Trophy (then ICC Knockout Trophy) against South Africa in Nairobi. Batting first, Ganguly scored a brilliant 141* off 142 balls, featuring 11 fours and 6 sixes. His partnership of 145 runs with Rahul Dravid laid the foundation for India’s 295/6. India won by 95 runs, and Ganguly was named Player of the Match for his match-winning knock.
2. Andy Flower – 145 vs India, Colombo, 2002
Zimbabwe’s legendary wicket-keeper batsman Andy Flower played a phenomenal knock of 145 against India in the 2002 Champions Trophy in Colombo. Chasing 289, Flower’s 145 off 164 balls, including 13 fours, was a masterclass in batting. Despite his efforts, Zimbabwe fell short by 14 runs. Mohammad Kaif of India was named Player of the Match for his unbeaten 111.
1. Nathan Astle – 145 vs USA, The Oval, 2004*
Nathan Astle set the record for the highest individual score in ICC Champions Trophy history with an unbeaten 145* against the USA at The Oval in 2004. Opening the innings, Astle struck 145 off 151 balls, including 13 fours and 6 sixes. His brilliant knock, along with a 143-run partnership with Scott Styris, guided New Zealand to a commanding position in the game.