2013 ICC Champions Trophy Review - ODI cricket gets a much needed boost

So, the “last” edition of the ICC Champions Trophy finally came to an end, thanks to what was a rain-curtailed final. In what was a shambolic scheduling by the ICC, there was no reserve day for any of the matches, including the final and at one time it really seemed as if the trophy would have to be shared for the second time in tournament history. But kudos to the ground staff as in spite of the heavy downpour, they dried the pitch and made it suitable enough for 20-overs a side match. And what a thrilling final to bid adieu to the Champions Trophy!

From Group A, hosts England and 2011 World Cup finalists Sri Lanka qualified for the semifinals, with England topping the group ahead of the Islanders by virtue of superior net run-rate. Defending champions Australia continued their miserable form, finishing at bottom and without a single win, while cross-Tasman rivals New Zealand, whose semifinal qualification depended on an unlikely Aussie victory over Sri Lanka, were left disappointed as well. For Australia, skipper Michael Clarke missed out all 3 games due to a back injury while in a notable off-field incident, opener David Warner punched England’s Joe Root, resulting in former being banned from playing till the Ashes.

In Group B, India breezed through the group stage, winning all their matches comprehensively, including the high-voltage clash against Pakistan. South Africa joined the Men in Blue in semifinals courtesy of a Duckworth-Lewis victory over the West Indies, who finished 3rd. Pakistan, meanwhile, lost all 3 matches and were the first team to be eliminated from the competition.

Both semifinals were one-sided affairs as England once again ‘choked’ South Africa and India defeated Sri Lanka, in what was a rematch from the 2011 World Cup final, winning by 7 and 8 wickets respectively.

Thus hosts England and world champions India moved to Edgbaston for the final of the final Champions Trophy, which was, unfortunately, another rain affected match and was started after much delay, resulting in it being a 20-over a side affair. In what proved to be a low-scoring thriller, India prevailed by 5 runs, thus earning themselves the moniker of being “champions of Champions”.