Top 10 moments of Champions Trophy 2017

The 18-day tournament was one of the most unpredicted editions of the ICC Champions Trophy. There were a number of upsets during the tournament which spiced up the event. World Champions Australia and runners-up New Zealand were knocked off in the first round itself. Bangladesh played the semifinals for the first time in an ICC event. And in the end, it was Pakistan who emerged victorious by 180 runs in the final against arch-rivals India.

Pakistan played out of their skins to beat higher ranked teams which culminated into a maiden Champions Trophy final. They were great, barring the first group game against India, and played some refreshing cricket. Sarfaraz Ahmed led his side with distinction, gave opportunities to youngsters like Fakhar Zaman, who went on to score a glorious maiden hundred in the finals. The No. 8 ranked ODI side punched above their weight and rose to the occasion.

Defending champions India and England were tipped as the favourites to lift the championship. While England were shockingly knocked out by Pakistan in the semis, India did well to reach the finals but succumbed to a heavy loss at The Oval on Sunday. The eighth edition of the ICC Champions Trophy will be remembered for the fierce competition and the unpredictability.

Let us have a look at the top ten moments of the eight-nation tournament:

1. Williamson’s fall leads to a Kiwi collapse, thrice

Kiwi skipper Williamson went past 50 every time he batted in the tournament. He made 244 runs in 3 innings but he couldn’t get his side into the semi-finals. His team heavily relied on the 26-year old. Williamson laid the platform every single game but his dismissal triggered a collapse in all three league games. Against Australia, Williamson hit a magnificent century but got out in the 40th over.

After his dismissal, New Zealand could manage to score just 37 runs and lost 6 wickets, getting bowled out for 291. In a must-win game against hosts England, Williamson crafted 87 pristine runs. The score was 158 for 3 when he exited the field and the team was skittled out for 223 all out in 44.3 overs.

The theme continued against Bangladesh as well. Williamson helped himself to another half century and was dismissed shortly afterwards for 57. Kiwis were 152 for 3 when he got out and managed to get just 113 runs in the last 20 overs, losing 5 wickets in the process. It is fair to say that New Zealand hinged on Williamson a lot in the tournament.