2013 Champions Trophy Final Highlights is one of the most iconic and thrilling matches in cricket history. The encounter between India and England at the Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham on June 23, 2013, offered the perfect blend of drama, skill, and nail-biting moments. Even though the format was shortened because of rain, the final had high-voltage excitement and ended with India. Here, we take a look at the highlights of the unforgettable match that crowned India as champions.
Spoilsport plays before the rains begin.
The weather at Edgbaston was not ideal, with continuous rain delaying the toss and reducing the game to 20 overs. The change added a T20-like intensity to the match, forcing both teams to adapt quickly. The conditions were challenging with overcast skies and a wet outfield, making it a tough affair for the players.
India’s innings: A struggle for pace
After winning the toss, England elected to field first, given the bowler-friendly conditions. India’s opening pair, Rohit Sharma and Shikhar Dhawan, came out to bat but faced early challenges. Rohit was dismissed for just 9 runs, leaving India at 19/1.
Shikhar Dhawan, who had been in excellent form throughout the tournament, looked promising but could not convert his start into a big score. His dismissal for 31 put additional pressure on India’s middle order.
Virat Kohli and Dinesh Karthik attempted to stabilize the innings, but England’s bowling attack, with James Anderson and Stuart Broad in charge, made things tight. Ravindra Jadeja and MS Dhoni then added some value towards the end, but still, India’s final score of 129/7 looked a little short for such a high-stakes match.
England’s chase: A roller-coaster ride.
Chasing a target of 130 in 20 overs was not difficult on paper, but the pressure of a final often plays tricks on the best teams. England openers Alastair Cook and Ian Bell started cautiously. However, India’s bowlers, especially Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Umesh Yadav, maintained a tight line and length, not letting the batsmen get their way.
The first breakthrough came when Alastair Cook fell for 2, followed by Jonathan Trott for 20. England’s middle order, which included the likes of Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara, tried to push the innings forward but struggled against the Indian spinners. Ravindra Jadeja and Ravichandran Ashwin spun the English batsmen around with sharp turns.
The Turning Point: Ishant Sharma’s heroics
The most dramatic moment of the match came during the 18th over, bowled by Ishant Sharma. England looked in control with Morgan and Bopara at the crease. However, Ishant turned the tide of the game by dismissing both batsmen in consecutive balls. Morgan was caught at mid-wicket, and Bopara fell victim to a well-played short ball.
These wickets completely shifted the momentum in India’s favour, giving England’s lower order a lot to do in a short space of time.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-round brilliance
Ravindra Jadeja was to be the standout performer for India in the final. With the bat, his blistering 33 not out off 25 balls added crucial runs to India’s total. With the ball, Jadeja’s left-arm spin took two crucial wickets, including Jos Buttler and Tim Bresnan. His exceptional performance earned him the Player of the Match award.
MS Dhoni: The Captain Cool
Under the astute leadership of MS Dhoni, India maintained composure throughout the high-pressure game. Dhoni’s field placements and bowling changes were spot on, particularly his decision to persist with Ishant Sharma despite his expensive earlier overs. Dhoni’s calm demeanor and tactical brilliance played a pivotal role in India’s triumph.
The Final Moments: A Nail-Biting Finish
The last over, bowled by Ravichandran Ashwin, was full of tension as England needed 15 runs to win. Ashwin kept his cool, varying his pace and flight to outsmart the tail-enders. India’s fielders were electric too, saving crucial runs and creating pressure.
England ultimately lost by 5 runs, ending up at 124/8. The Indian team then celebrated their win for the second time in an ICC Champions Trophy after winning back in 2002, in a shared edition with Sri Lanka.
Celebration and Legacy
The victory was particularly significant for MS Dhoni, as he became the first captain in history to win all three major ICC trophies – the T20 World Cup (2007), the ODI World Cup (2011), and the Champions Trophy (2013). The win cemented Dhoni’s legacy as one of the greatest leaders in cricket history.
2013 Champions Trophy Final Highlights For India, the triumph was a testament to their dominance in limited-overs cricket during that era. The young squad, featuring rising stars like Shikhar Dhawan, Virat Kohli, and Ravindra Jadeja, showcased immense potential and resilience.
Key Takeaways from the 2013 Champions Trophy Final
Adaptability in Adverse Conditions: Both teams faced challenges due to the rain-shortened format, but India adapted better, especially with their bowling strategy.
Spin Magic: The contributions of Jadeja and Ashwin highlighted the importance of spin bowling, even in English conditions.
Leadership Matters: MS Dhoni’s tactical acumen and ability to stay calm under pressure were instrumental in India’s victory.
Fielding Excellence: India’s sharp fielding efforts saved crucial runs and added pressure on the English batsmen.
Conclusion
The 2013 Champions Trophy Final Highlights will always be remembered as a classic encounter that showcased the unpredictability and thrill of cricket. India’s hard-fought victory over England not only brought joy to millions of fans but also underscored the importance of teamwork, strategy, and composure in achieving success. The match stands as a shining example of cricket’s ability to produce moments of sheer brilliance and drama, making it a cherished memory in the annals of the sport.
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