• Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some breathtaking individual performances in its grand finale.

  • The 2025 edition of the Champions Trophy final saw Rohit Sharma delivering a captain’s knock under pressure.

List of Player of the Match winners in Champions Trophy history ft. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

List of player of the match winners in ICC Champions Trophy finals (1998-2025)

Over the years, the ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some breathtaking individual performances in its grand finale. From all-round brilliance to record-breaking centuries, these match-winners have left an indelible mark on cricketing history. Here’s a look at the Player of the Match awardees in every Champions Trophy final, spanning from 1998 to 2025.

1. 1998 – Jacques Kallis (South Africa) vs West Indies

Jacques Kallis
Jacques Kallis (Image Source: X)

The inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy final saw Jacques Kallis deliver an all-round masterclass against the West Indies. First, he made a handy contribution with the bat, scoring 37 runs off 33 balls. However, it was his bowling that proved decisive, as he ran through the Windies lineup with 5/30 in 7.3 overs, leading South Africa to their maiden ICC title with a comfortable 4-wicket victory.

2. 2000 – Chris Cairns (New Zealand) vs India

Chris Cairns
Chris Cairns (Image Source: X)

In one of the greatest run chases in Champions Trophy history, Chris Cairns played a knock for the ages. Chasing 265, New Zealand found themselves in trouble, but Cairns stood tall, smashing an unbeaten 102 off 113 balls, with 8 fours and 2 sixes. His remarkable century steered the Kiwis to a 4-wicket win, securing their first-ever ICC trophy.

3. 2002 – No Award (India & Sri Lanka Shared Trophy)

The 2002 Champions Trophy final, played between India and Sri Lanka, ended in an anti-climax. Despite two attempts to complete the final, rain had the final say, forcing both teams to be declared joint winners. With no result, no Player of the Match award was presented.

4. 2004 – Ian Bradshaw (West Indies) vs England

Ian Bradshaw
Ian Bradshaw (Image Source: X)

West Indies were in deep trouble at 147/8 while chasing 218 in the final against England. But Ian Bradshaw, a left-arm pacer, pulled off an unforgettable rescue act. He first took 2/38 in 9 overs, then played a heroic 34 off 51 balls, stitching a 71-run unbroken partnership with Courtney Browne to snatch a dramatic 2-wicket victory with seven balls to spare.

5. 2006 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs West Indies

Shane Watson
Shane Watson (Image Source: X)

Australia finally got their hands on the Champions Trophy, and Shane Watson played a pivotal role in the final against West Indies. He picked up 2/11 in 4 overs, dismissing two key batters, before anchoring the chase with a calm and composed 57 off 88 balls. His all-round brilliance ensured Australia comfortably chased down 139 in a rain-curtailed final.

Also READ: Rohit Sharma misses out as ICC announces Champions Trophy 2025 ‘Team of the tournament’

6. 2009 – Shane Watson (Australia) vs New Zealand

Shane Watson
Shane Watson (Image Source: X)

Australia successfully defended their title, thanks to Watson’s match-winning century. Chasing 201 in the final against New Zealand, Watson’s powerful 105 off 129 balls, featuring 10 fours and 4 sixes, led Australia to a six-wicket win. His unbeaten knock sealed his second consecutive Player of the Match award in a Champions Trophy final.

7. 2013 – Ravindra Jadeja (India) vs England

Ravindra Jadeja
Ravindra Jadeja (Image Source: X)

In a rain-shortened 20-over-per-side final at Edgbaston, Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial role in India’s narrow victory over England. With the bat, he contributed an unbeaten 33 off 25 balls, helping India reach 129/7. With the ball, he was equally impactful, taking 2/24 in 4 overs, including the prized wicket of Ian Bell, as India defended the low total to clinch their second Champions Trophy.

8. 2017 – Fakhar Zaman (Pakistan) vs India

Fakhar Zaman
Fakhar Zaman (Image Source: X)

Pakistan’s victory over India in the 2017 Champions Trophy final was largely built on Fakhar Zaman’s heroics. The left-handed opener, playing just his fourth ODI, dominated India’s world-class bowling attack, smashing a breathtaking 114 off 106 balls, laced with 12 fours and 3 sixes. His innings propelled Pakistan to 338/4, setting up a comprehensive 180-run victory, their first-ever ICC Champions Trophy win.

9. 2025 – Rohit Sharma (India) vs New Zealand

Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma (Image Source: X)

The latest edition of the Champions Trophy 2025 final saw Rohit Sharma delivering a captain’s knock under pressure. Chasing 252 against New Zealand, Rohit played with fluency and composure, scoring a match-winning 76 off 83 balls, striking 7 fours and 3 sixes. His knock provided India with a solid platform, as the team successfully chased the target with six balls to spare, securing their third Champions Trophy title.

Summary of Champions Trophy Final MVPs (1998-2025)

YearPlayerPerformance
1998Jacques Kallis37 (33) & 5/30 (7.3)
2000Chris Cairns102* (113)
2002No AwardRain-washed final (Joint winners: India & SL)
2004Ian Bradshaw2/38 (9) & 34* (51)
2006Shane Watson2/11 (4) & 57* (88)
2009Shane Watson105 (129)
2013Ravindra Jadeja33* (25) & 2/24 (4)
2017Fakhar Zaman114 (106)
2025Rohit Sharma76 (83)

Also READ: List of Player of the Tournament winners in Champions Trophy history ft. Rachin Ravindra

Subscribe to Cricket Times on YouTube to watch Exclusive Interviews, Podcasts, Daily News Updates & Explainers.

TAGS:

CATEGORY: Champions Trophy Featured Rohit Sharma

For latest cricket news and updates, subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter.

About the Author:
Amar is a sports enthusiast and a talented writer who has found the perfect career that combines his two passions. As a valuable member of Cricket Times, Amar brings his passion for cricket and his talent for writing to the fore, providing readers with insightful and engaging content. Cricket lives rent-free in his mind. A person who views cricket as a metaphor for life. You can connect with Amar at amar.bhalla@crickettimes.com and also follow him on LinkedIn.