CT 2017: India's best moments in Champions Trophy history

Defending champions India will be back in England to vie for the ICC Champions Trophy in June. Despite a few hiccups in the BCCI and the team’s selection, fans can be assured of seeing the champion side battle it out against the other 7 among the world’s top 8 teams.

As we look back at Dhoni’s ecstasy behind the stumps when India clinched the Champions Trophy in 2013, it’s time to delve into the past and bring back memories of India’s best CT moments. CricTracker rewinds the clock back to 1998 and takes you through the highs of Team India on an exclusive journey through its Champions Trophy history.

1. Champions Trophy 1998

In the inaugural edition of what is now called the Champions Trophy, Sachin Tendulkar smashed a phenomenal 141 against Australia to eliminate them in the quarter-finals. India were at one stage reeling at 8/2 in the first innings. The Master Blaster then stitched a valuable partnership of 140 runs with Rahul Dravid and added another 132 along with Ajay Jadeja.

Tendulkar was unfortunately run out by Michael Kasprowicz, finishing on 141 off 128. His innings included 13 fours and 3 massive sixes, which lit up a packed crowd at Dhaka’s Bangabandhu National Stadium. Sachin was instrumental in propelling India’s total over the 300-run milestone, a rarity back in the days.

India were in a commanding position at the halfway mark, but up against them were the mighty Australians. Despite sizable contributions from Australia’s top order, they faltered in the middle stages of the chase. Surprisingly it was that man Sachin Tendulkar once again who stood up for his team, this time with the ball. His exceptional figures of 4/38 in just over 9 overs ensured Australia did not run away with the chase.

Tendulkar got the important breakthroughs, removing Steve Waugh and later Michael Bevan, one of Australia’s most prolific finishers. The Australians fell well short, by 44 runs to be exact, thus allowing India to advance to the semi-final of the tournament.