The ICC Champions Trophy has been home to some of the most thrilling encounters in cricket history. Since its inception in 1998, the tournament has witnessed breathtaking performances, especially in the final, where players have stepped up to the occasion to guide their teams to glory. Some delivered match-winning centuries, while others turned the game around with their all-round brilliance or exceptional spells with the ball.

As India secured their third ICC Champions Trophy title in 2025, let’s revisit all the Player of the Match award winners in Champions Trophy finals, from 1998 to 2025, and relive the magic created by these extraordinary cricketers.

1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa) vs West Indies

The inaugural edition of the ICC KnockOut Trophy (later renamed Champions Trophy) saw Jacques Kallis put on a match-winning all-round display to help South Africa claim their maiden ICC title.

Batting first, West Indies struggled against South Africa’s disciplined bowling attack and managed just 245 runs. Kallis was the standout performer, taking 5/30 in 7.3 overs, dismantling the West Indies’ middle order with his clever variations.

Later, while chasing, South Africa faced early setbacks, but Kallis chipped in with a crucial 37 runs off 33 balls, stabilizing the chase. South Africa won the match by 4 wickets, and Kallis’ all-round brilliance earned him the Player of the Match award.

🏆 Performance: 37 (33) & 5/30 (7.3 overs)

2000 – Chris Cairns (New Zealand) vs India

The 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy final witnessed one of the greatest chases in tournament history as Chris Cairns scripted an unforgettable century against India.

Chasing 265, New Zealand was in deep trouble, but Cairns stood tall against the odds, crafting a magnificent unbeaten 102 off 113 balls, featuring 8 fours and 2 sixes. His well-paced knock guided New Zealand to a 4-wicket victory, securing their first-ever ICC trophy.

🏆 Performance: 102 (113)

2002 – No Award (India & Sri Lanka Shared Trophy)

The 2002 Champions Trophy final turned out to be an unfortunate affair as the match between India and Sri Lanka was washed out twice due to persistent rain.

Despite two attempts to complete the match, the weather had the final say, forcing both teams to be declared joint winners. As no result was achieved, no Player of the Match award was given.

🏆 No Award – Rain-washed final

2004 – Ian Bradshaw (West Indies) vs England

In one of the most dramatic finals in Champions Trophy history, West Indies pulled off a stunning comeback to snatch victory from England.

Chasing 218, West Indies were reeling at 147/8, seemingly out of the contest. But Ian Bradshaw, a left-arm pacer, delivered an all-time great rescue act. First, he impressed with the ball, taking 2/38 in 9 overs. Then, with the bat, he played an unbeaten 34 off 51 balls, forging a match-winning 71-run partnership with Courtney Browne.

West Indies secured a thrilling 2-wicket victory with seven balls to spare, and Bradshaw was deservedly named Player of the Match.

🏆 Performance: 2/38 (9) & 34 (51)

2006 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs West Indies

Australia lifted their first-ever Champions Trophy title in 2006, and it was Shane Watson who played a crucial role in the final against West Indies.

Batting first in a rain-curtailed final, West Indies managed just 138. Watson’s 2/11 in 4 overs was instrumental in restricting the opposition. Later, while chasing, Watson anchored the innings with a patient 57 off 88 balls, ensuring Australia comfortably chased the target to claim the title.

🏆 Performance: 2/11 (4) & 57 (88)

2009 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs New Zealand

In back-to-back finals, Shane Watson delivered another match-winning performance, this time against New Zealand in 2009.

Chasing 201, Australia found themselves in trouble, but Watson played a commanding unbeaten 105 off 129 balls, decorated with 10 fours and 4 sixes. His knock ensured Australia sealed a 6-wicket victory, and he became the first player to win consecutive Player of the Match awards in Champions Trophy finals.

🏆 Performance: 105 (129)

2013 – Ravindra Jadeja (India) vs England

The 2013 final was a rain-affected 20-over contest at Edgbaston, where India edged past England in a thriller.

Batting first, India struggled to 129/7, but Ravindra Jadeja’s crucial 33 off 25 balls* provided some much-needed runs. With the ball, Jadeja delivered again, taking 2/24 in 4 overs, including the key wicket of Ian Bell.

India successfully defended the low total, winning by 5 runs, and Jadeja was named Player of the Match for his all-round effort.

🏆 Performance: 33 (25) & 2/24 (4)

2017 – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) vs India

The 2017 Champions Trophy final saw Pakistan dominate India, with Fakhar Zaman playing a sensational innings to steer his side to victory.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 338/4, thanks to Fakhar’s stunning 114 off 106 balls, featuring 12 fours and 3 sixes. His fearless approach against a strong Indian bowling lineup proved decisive, as Pakistan went on to win by 180 runs, claiming their first-ever Champions Trophy title.

🏆 Performance: 114 (106)

2025 – Rohit Sharma (India) vs New Zealand

The latest edition of the Champions Trophy in 2025 saw Rohit Sharma delivering a captain’s knock to guide India to their third title.

Chasing 252, Rohit played with confidence and composure, scoring a match-winning 76 off 83 balls, including 7 fours and 3 sixes. His innings laid the foundation for India’s successful chase, securing a 6-wicket victory with six balls to spare.

🏆 Performance: 76 (83)

Summary of Champions Trophy Final MVPs (1998-2025)

Year	Player	Performance
1998	Jacques Kallis	37 (33) & 5/30 (7.3)
2000	Chris Cairns	102* (113)
2002	No Award	Rain-washed final
2004	Ian Bradshaw	2/38 (9) & 34* (51)
2006	Shane Watson	2/11 (4) & 57* (88)
2009	Shane Watson	105 (129)
2013	Ravindra Jadeja	33* (25) & 2/24 (4)
2017	Fakhar Zaman	114 (106)
2025	Rohit Sharma	76 (83)

Final Thoughts

From Kallis’ all-round brilliance in 1998 to Rohit Sharma’s captain’s knock in 2025, every Champions Trophy final has had its own unforgettable hero. As cricket continues to evolve, future editions of the tournament will surely produce more legendary performances that will be etched in history forever.

Who do you think will be the next Player of the Match in a Champions Trophy final?

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