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Players To Score A Century In Champions Trophy Finals

Jatin

Fakhar Zaman is the last batter to score a hundred in Champions Trophy final [Source: @Arnavv43/x.com]Fakhar Zaman is the last batter to score a hundred in Champions Trophy final [Source: @Arnavv43/x.com]

Scoring a century in an ICC final is a commendable feat as it is all about handling pressure and delivering when it matters most. The Champions Trophy has seen some sensational hundreds with players stepping up to take their teams to glory.

From Philo Wallace’s explosive knock in 1998 to Fakhar Zaman’s heroics in 2017, these innings have either won trophies or been courageous efforts in tough losses. Let’s take a look at the batters who lit up the Champions Trophy finals with memorable centuries.

6. Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) – 114 vs India (2017, The Oval)

Fakhar Zaman [Source: @ZuNairSays/x.com]Fakhar Zaman [Source: @ZuNairSays/x.com]

The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy final saw Pakistan shock India with a historic victory powered by Fakhar Zaman’s dream innings of 114 off 106 balls. After getting a lucky reprieve due to a no-ball from Jasprit Bumrah, Fakhar capitalized on the opportunity and launched a brutal assault on India’s bowlers. His innings included 12 fours and 3 sixes which set the foundation for Pakistan’s mammoth 338/4 in 50 overs.

India’s reply never got going, as Mohammad Amir’s fiery spell (3/16) dismantled the top order, and they were bowled out for 158, handing Pakistan a dominant 180-run win, their biggest margin of victory in an ICC final. Fakhar’s innings not only won Pakistan their first-ever Champions Trophy title but also cemented his place in the team as a big-match performer.

5. Shane Watson (Australia) – 105 vs New Zealand (2009, Centurion)

Shane Watson [Source: @diablo_kells/x.com]Shane Watson [Source: @diablo_kells/x.com]

Shane Watson was unstoppable in the 2009 Champions Trophy final, single-handedly dismantling New Zealand at Centurion. After Australia restricted New Zealand to a modest 200/9, thanks to Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz's tight spells, they needed a solid batting performance.

Despite losing early wickets, Watson stood firm, playing a counter-attacking knock of 105 off 129 balls*, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes. His powerful stroke play and composure under pressure ensured Australia chased down the target with 28 balls to spare and six wickets in hand, sealing their second consecutive Champions Trophy title.

4. Marcus Trescothick (England) – 104 vs West Indies (2004, The Oval)

Marcus Trescothick [Source: @ICC/x.com]Marcus Trescothick [Source: @ICC/x.com]

Marcus Trescothick was the pillar of England’s innings in the 2004 Champions Trophy final against the West Indies at The Oval. Batting first, England found themselves in early trouble but Trescothick anchored the innings with a classy 104 off 124 balls as he hit 14 fours and guided England to 217 all out in 49.4 overs.

However, West Indies staged a stunning comeback, courtesy of Shivnarine Chanderpaul (47), Courtney Browne (35*) and Ian Bradshaw (34*) who guided their team to a thrilling two-wicket victory in a tense finish. Trescothick’s century was a lone warrior’s effort but it wasn't enough to secure England’s first ICC silverware.



3. Chris Cairns (New Zealand) – 102 vs India (2000, Nairobi)

Chris Cairns [Source: @ICC/x.com]Chris Cairns [Source: @ICC/x.com]

New Zealand’s Chris Cairns delivered a masterclass in chasing under pressure and led his his team to an iconic ICC trophy victory against India in the 2000 Champions Trophy final. Chasing 265, the Kiwis were in trouble at 132/5 with India's bowlers on top.

However, Cairns played a heroic knock and smashed 102 off 113 balls with 8 fours and 2 sixes, pacing his innings perfectly. Partnering with Chris Harris (46), he took New Zealand home with two balls to spare and clinched a historic four-wicket win. His unbeaten ton remains one of the greatest knocks in a major ICC final as he single-handedly outclassed India's attack and denied Ganguly’s team the title.

2. Sourav Ganguly (India) – 117 vs New Zealand (2000, Nairobi)

Sourav Ganguly [Source: @WisdenIndia/x.com]Sourav Ganguly [Source: @WisdenIndia/x.com]

Sourav Ganguly played a captain’s knock in the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final against New Zealand in Nairobi. Opening the innings with Sachin Tendulkar, Ganguly batted fluently and scored a magnificent 117 off 130 balls, a knock decorated with 9 fours and 4 sixes. He played the anchor role as India reached 264/6 in 50 overs.

However, Chris Cairns produced a match-winning 102 off 113 balls*, leading New Zealand to a thrilling four-wicket victory with two balls remaining. This was New Zealand’s first ICC trophy while Ganguly’s stunning hundred went in vain.

1. Philo Wallace (West Indies) – 103 vs South Africa (1998, Dhaka)

Philo Wallace [Source: @ICC/x.com]Philo Wallace [Source: @ICC/x.com]

The inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy final (later known as the Champions Trophy) saw West Indies lock horns with South Africa in Dhaka. Philo Wallace set the stage on fire with a blistering 103 off just 102 balls as he hammered 11 fours and 5 sixes. His aggressive approach gave West Indies a strong platform but their middle order collapsed and managed only 245 in 49.3 overs.

However, South Africa, led by captain Hansie Cronje's steady 61* and Jacques Kallis' all-round brilliance (37 runs & 5/30), chased the target down with 18 balls to spare, clinching their first ICC trophy. Despite Wallace's century, the West Indies fell short, and this match remains a bittersweet memory for Caribbean fans.