ICC Champions Trophy: Full list of Player-of-the-Match award winners in final

From Shane Watson’s unbeaten 105 in 2009 to his all-round brilliance in 2006, and Ravindra Jadeja’s match-winning performance in 2013, the ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some unforgettable performances in the finals.

Here is a look at all the Player-of-the-Match award winners in the finals:

ICC Champions Trophy 1998: Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa) vs West Indies

Performance: 37 (51) & 5/30

South Africa lifted the inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy (later renamed Champions Trophy) thanks to Kallis’ brilliant all-round show. After the Proteas restricted West Indies to 245 for three (Philo Wallace 103), Kallis anchored South Africa to victory with four wickets in hand.

ICC Champions Trophy 2000: Chris Cairns (New Zealand)

2000 – Chris Cairns (New Zealand) vs India

Performance: 102* (113)

Chasing 265, New Zealand was struggling at 132 for five before Cairns played a sensational counter-attacking knock, guiding his team to its first ICC trophy. His unbeaten century helped New Zealand win by four wickets with two balls to spare.

ICC Champions Trophy 2002: No Player-of-the-Match (Final shared between India & Sri Lanka)

The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and Sri Lanka was washed out twice due to rain in Colombo, resulting in both teams being declared joint winners. Since neither match produced a result, no Player-of-the-Match award was awarded, making it the only ICC tournament final without an individual honour.

ICC Champions Trophy 2004: Ian Bradshaw (West Indies)

2004 – Ian Bradshaw (West Indies) vs England

Performance: 34* (51) & 2/29

Chasing 218, West Indies was struggling at 147 for eight before Bradshaw, alongside Courtney Browne (35 not out), stitched a match-winning 71-run unbeaten partnership for the ninth wicket. His all-round effort helped West Indies secure a dramatic two-wicket victory, making it its first major ICC title win since 1979.

ICC Champions Trophy 2006: Shane Watson (Australia)

2006 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs West Indies

Performance: 57* (88) & 2/11

Australia dominated a rain-affected final against West Indies. After West Indies was dismissed for just 138, Watson anchored a comfortable chase with an unbeaten 57, sealing Australia’s maiden Champions Trophy title.

ICC Champions Trophy 2009: Shane Watson (Australia)

2009 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs New Zealand

Performance: 105* (129)

Chasing 201 in a tense final, Australia was reduced to 6 for two early. Watson, however, held firm, smashing an unbeaten century to guide Australia to a six-wicket win, and ensuring its second consecutive Champions Trophy victory.

ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Ravindra Jadeja (India)

2013 – Ravindra Jadeja (India) vs England

In a rain-shortened 20-over final, Jadeja played a crucial finishing knock, helping India post 129 for seven. Later, with England needing 15 off the final over, Jadeja’s tight bowling ensured India won by five runs. His all-round heroics earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.

ICC Champions Trophy 2017: Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan)

2017 – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) vs India

Performance: 114 (106)

Fakhar’s fearless batting dismantled India’s bowling attack in the high-stakes final. His 114 off 106 balls helped Pakistan post a mammoth 338 for four. The bowlers then bundled out India for 158, sealing a historic 180-run win.