ICC Champions Trophy : Heroes of the Finals
Let us go down the memory lane and remember the heroes of ICC Champions Trophy finals
#5 Shane Watson – Australia v New Zealand (2009)
Australians reached the ICC Champions Trophy finals for the 2nd consecutive time. They faced their neighbors New Zealand who also had won the trophy before. Hence, one team was set to win it for the second time. South Africa were selected as hosts and the match was played at SuperSport Park, Centurion. New Zealand’s skipper Brendon McCullum won the toss and decided to bat first.
Once again, batting first in the CT final proved costly as New Zealand were all out for 200 runs. Martin Guptill offered some resilience and scored 40 runs, but the rest failed. Brett Lee and Nathan Hauritz were the most successful bowlers for the baggy greens.
201 was never a great total to defend in Centurion. But history repeated itself as the captain and wicket-keeper were dismissed quickly. Tim Paine was the wicket-keeper this time, while the captain was same. Both Paine and Ponting went back to the pavilion after scoring a run each, as Australia was 6/2. Once again, the stage was set for Shane Watson. He made Cameron White his partner this time. White scored 62 runs, while Watson scored a beautiful hundred. He was the hero in Australia’s title defense.
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