The ICC Champions Trophy has witnessed some memorable high-scoring games over the years. Teams have often showcased explosive batting, with numerous records set for the highest totals in the tournament’s history. Here’s a look at the highest team totals ever recorded in ICC Champions Trophy matches:
1. New Zealand – 347/4 vs. USA (2004)
- Venue: England
- Top Scorer: Nathan Astle (145 runs)
- Result: New Zealand won by 210 runs
- Synopsis: New Zealand set the record for the highest score in Champions Trophy history when they posted 347/4 against the USA. Nathan Astle’s blistering 145 led the charge in this one-sided encounter.
2. Pakistan – 338/4 vs. India (2017)
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Top Scorer: Fakhar Zaman (114 runs)
- Result: Pakistan won by 180 runs
- Synopsis: In a high-pressure final, Pakistan posted 338/4 against India, with Fakhar Zaman’s 114 setting the foundation. Pakistan went on to win their maiden Champions Trophy title with a comprehensive 180-run victory.
3. India – 331/7 vs. South Africa (2013)
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Top Scorer: Shikhar Dhawan (114 runs)
- Result: India won by 26 runs
- Synopsis: India’s 331/7, with Shikhar Dhawan’s century, proved to be enough to beat South Africa in the 2013 edition, despite a tough chase from the Proteas.
4. England – 323/8 vs. South Africa (2009)
- Venue: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Top Scorer: Owais Shah (98 runs)
- Result: England won by 22 runs
- Synopsis: England posted a competitive 323/8 against South Africa in the 2009 edition, with Owais Shah’s 98 leading the way. The team held off South Africa to win by 22 runs.
5. Sri Lanka – 322/5 vs. India (2017)
- Venue: The Oval, London
- Top Scorer: Angelo Mathews (52 runs)
- Result: Sri Lanka won by 7 wickets (highest successful chase)
- Synopsis: Sri Lanka set the record for the highest successful chase in Champions Trophy history when they chased down 322 to beat India. A solid effort from Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, and Angelo Mathews sealed the victory.
6. South Africa – 316/5 vs. Kenya (2002)
- Venue: Nairobi, Kenya
- Top Scorer: Herschelle Gibbs (116 runs)
- Result: South Africa won by 176 runs
- Synopsis: South Africa set a massive total of 316/5 against Kenya, led by Herschelle Gibbs’ century. The Proteas secured a dominant 176-run win in this 2002 encounter.
7. Bangladesh- 305/6 vs. England (2017)
- Venue: Oval, London
- Top Scorer: Tamim Iqbal (128 runs)
- Result: England won by 8 wickets
- Synopsis: Bangladesh set a massive total of 305/6 against England, led by Tamim Iqbals Century. However, England batsman in response came down heavily and chased down the target in 47.2 Over with 8 wickets remaining. Joe Root (133 runs) became Man of the Match.
8. Australia: 296/7 vs New Zealand (2002)
- Venue: Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Top Scorer: Damien Martyn (73 runs)
- Result: Australia won the match by 164 runs
- Synopsis: Australia set a total of 296/7 against New Zealand, led by Damien Martyn. However, New Zealand batsman failed to handle pressure against brilliant bowling of Glenn McGrath (37/5 in 7 Overs)
9. West Indies: 289 runs vs Pakistan (1998)
- Venue: Dhaka
- Top Scorer: Philo Wallace (74 runs)
- Result: West Indies won by 30 runs
- Synopsis: West Indies set a total of 289/9 against Pakistan, led by Philo Wallace in a Quarter Final Match. Pakistan failed to chase and surrendered before deadly bowling of Keith Arthurton (Man of the Match- 33 (44) & 4/31) .
10. Zimbabwe: 274 runs vs India (2002)
- Venue: Colombo
- Top Scorer: Mohammad Kaif (111 runs)
- Result: India won by 14 runs
- Synopsis: India set a competitive total of 288 runs with the fabulous hundred of Mohammad Kaif. In response, Zimbabwe showed excellent batting display however they failed to reach destination by 14 runs. Zaheer Khan bowled brilliantly and took 4 wickets in 10 overs.
Key Factors Behind High Totals:
- Powerful Openers: Most of these teams had explosive openers who laid a solid foundation at the beginning, allowing the middle-order to capitalize on the good start.
- Aggressive Middle Order: Players who can accelerate the innings in the middle overs are key to posting big totals. These games saw high strike rates from players who were ready to go for boundaries at every opportunity.
- Support from All-rounders: Several of these matches had all-rounders contributing with quick-fire cameos, adding crucial runs in the death overs.
Final Thoughts
The Champions Trophy has provided plenty of high-scoring encounters over the years, with teams putting up totals in excess of 250, showing the aggressive style of cricket in the limited-overs format. These high totals not only entertained fans but also set the stage for some thrilling run-chases.
What do you think of these totals? Which one was your favorite match? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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