ISLAMABAD (Kashmir English): The ICC Champions Trophy has seen many brilliant performances by the batsmen.
These players, with high run-scores in the Champions Trophy history, succeeded in making their mark on the tournament. Their standout performances are worth mentioning.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle was known for his explosive batting. He scored 791 runs in 17 innings of 17 matches played between 2002-2013 at an average of 52.73. He scored three 100s and one 50 in the Champions Trophy competitions.
Gayle remains the all-time highest run-scorer in Champions Trophy history. His was a game-changer for the West Indies due to his aggressive approach at the top of the order.
His most remarkable innings came against South Africa in the semi-final of 2006 Champions Trophy, where he smashed 133* off 135 balls, leading West Indies to victory.
The master blaster also scored a crucial 101* against England in the group stage. He was considered to be a nightmare for bowlers due to his dominance in the powerplay, coupled with his talent to clear boundaries with ease. Gayle also won the Champions Trophy title in 2004 by defeating England in the final.
Mahela Jayawardene
Mahela Jayawardene of Sri Lanka played 22 matches for Sri Lanka over five editions of the Champions Trophy during 2000-2013. He scored 742 runs in 21 innings at an average of 41.22 with scoring five 50s.
The Sri Lankan was a stylish batsman with an ability to perform on big occasions. He proved to be a backbone for Sri Lanka in the Champions Trophy editions.
Jayawardene’s best knock came against New Zealand in 2006 Champions Trophy semi-final, where he scored 77 off 113 balls to help Sri Lanka post a competitive total.
He also scored a valuable 77 runs in the final against India as Sri Lanka and India were declared joint-winners after the final was washed out.
Shikhar Dhawan
Shikhar Dhawan of India scored 701 runs in 10 innings of 10 matches during 2013-2017 at an average of 77.88. He scored three 100s and three 50s.
Dhawan is perhaps the most impressive in this list due to playing in only two editions. He was instrumental in India’s 2013 triumph.
Dhawan’s staggering average of 77.88 across just 10 innings reflects his prowess in the two editions he played.
Dhawan introduced himself in the tournament with a 114 off 94 balls against South Africa in 2013, followed by another 102* against West Indies.
Dhawan finished as the top scorer in both the 2013 and 2017 editions.
Kumar Sangakkara
Kumar Sangakkara of Sri Lanka played 22 Champions Trophy matches between 2000-2013 and scored 683 runs at an average of 37.94. He scored one 100 and four 50s.
Sangakkara combined elegance with grit. His talent was on full display in 2013 against England, where he played a match-winning 134* off 135 balls, helping Sri Lanka chase down 294.
Sangakkara played in five Champions Trophy editions, including Sri Lanka’s successful 2002 campaign.
Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly of India scored 665 runs in 11 innings of 13 matches played between 1998-2004. His average was impressive 73.88. He scored three 100s and three 50s.
Ganguly remains one of country’s finest performers in the Champions Trophy. His three centuries are second only to Chris Gayle and Shikhar Dhawan.
Ganguly’s most iconic innings came in the 2000 Champions Trophy semi-final against South Africa, where he smashed 141* off 142 balls, guiding India to the final clash.
He also scored 117* against England in the 2002 edition.
Rest of the Champions Trophy performers
Jacques Kallis (South Africa) scored 653 runs in 17 innings, averaging 46.64. His highest score was *113.
Rahul Dravid (India) scored 627 runs in 15 innings, averaging 48.23. His highest score was 76.
Ricky Ponting (Australia) accumulated 593 runs in 18 innings of the Champions Trophy editions, averaging 39.53. His highest score was *111.
Shivnarine Chanderpaul (West Indies) scored 587 runs in 16 innings, averaging 53.36. His highest score was 74.
Sanath Jayasuriya (Sri Lanka) accumulated 536 runs in 20 innings, averaging 29.77. His highest score was *102.
Among them, Jayawardene and Dhawan lifted the titles, while Gayle, Sangakkara and Ganguly came close but fell short of glory.
