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The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 is set to witness not only explosive batting performances but also game-changing spells from world-class bowlers. Just as batters play match-defining ꦬinnings, bowlers have the ability to turn games with their skill, accuracy, and vari𒁃ations.
Bowlers set to dominate in Champions Trophy 2025
The conditions i💦n Pakistan could favor both pacers and spinners, making it crucial for teams to have a balanced attack. With high stakes in every match, disciplined bowling efforts will be the key to restricting strong batting units. History has shown that bowlers can shift momentum by striking at crucial junctures, putting pressure on opponents. Whether it’s fiery new-ball spells or economical middle-over containment, a strong bowling unit can make the difference. Death-over specialists will play a vital role in closing out innings, preventing set batters from accelerating. The tournament promises to showcase thrilling battles between bat and ball, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
Historic bowling spells that dismantled opponents
Several bowlers in past editions of the Champions Trophy have delivered unforgettable performances, dismantling batting lineups with their brilliance. Whether it was Shane Bond’s fiery spell in 2009, Hasan Ali’s dominance in 2017, or Glenn McGrath’s clinical accuracy in earlier editions, bowlers have left a lasting impact. These spells not only secured crucial victories but also instilled confidence i🎃n their teams.
A bowler’s ability to strike early, break partnerships, and restrict runs often proves decisive in knockout games. Pakistan’s conditions could bring reverse swi🍬ng into play, giving fast bowlers an added edge. Meanwhile, spinners might find assistance on dry pitches, making them equally dangerous. The 2025 edition will likely see new names etching their place in history with remarkable bowling figures. Fans can expect bowlers to rise to the occasion, delivering match-winning spells that define the tournament.
Top 5 best bowling figures in the Champions Trophy history
5. Mervyn Dillon – 5/29 vs Bangladesh (2004)
West Indies‘ tall and disciplined pacer Mervyn Dillon produced a masterclass in seam bowling against Bangladesh in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. Bowling a full quota of 10 overs, he scalped five wickets for just 29 runs, maintaining an impressive economy of 2.90. His ability to move the ball both ways and extract bounce troubled the Bangladeshi batters, leading to regular breakthroughs. Dillon’s spell ensured that Bangladesh never built partnerships, as they were bowled out for just 131 runs while chasing 270. West Indies comfortably won the match by 138 runs, with Chris Gayle also starring with a brilliant 99-run knock. Dillon’s five-wicket haul remains one of the finest bowling efforts in Champions Trophy history and a testament to his skills as a quality Westꦏ Indian fast bowler.
4. Makhaya Ntini – 5/21 vs Pakistan (2006)
South Africa’s fiery pacer Makhaya Ntini delivered one of the most destructive spells in Champions Trophy history when he picked up 5/21 in six overs against Pakistan at Mohali in 2006. The Proteas speedster bowled with raw pace and aggression, extractinꩵg extra bounce and movement under lights. His relentless line and length proved too much for Pakistan’s batting unit, as they crumbled to just 89 runs while chasing 214. Ntini’s spell, which included two maidens, helped South Africa seal a dominant 124-run victory. His ability to trouble batters with steep bounce and movement off the seam made him a nightm🐲are for opposition teams. This performance cemented his status as one of South Africa’s greatest ODI fast bowlers and remains one of the finest fast-bowling efforts in the Champions Trophy.
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3. Shahid Afridi – 5/11 vs Kenya (2004)
Pakistan’s iconic all-rounder Shahid Afridi stunned Kenya with a breathtaking spell of leg-spin bowling in the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy. Bowling just six overs, Afridi returned figures of 5/11 with an incredible econom♐y rate of 1.83 at Edgbaston, Birmingham. His variations, quick-arm action, and ability to turn the ball sharply on a helpful surface left the Kenyan batting lineup in tatters. Afridi’s spell played a key role in dismissing Kenya for just 94 runs, setting up an easy chase for Pakistan. With his aggressive approach and ability to take wickets in clusters, he once again proved why he was one of Pakistan’s most impactful ODI cricketers. The Men in Green chased down the target in just 18.4 overs, winning the match comfortably by seven wickets. His five-wicket haul remains one of the most economical spells in Champions Trophy history.
2. Josh Hazlewood – 6/52 vs New Zealand (2017)
Josh Hazlewood showcased his skills as a lethal pace bowler during Australia’s clash with New Zealand in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy. The tall right-arm pacer delivered a hostile spell, taking 6/52 in nine overs to restrict the Kiwis to 291 runs at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Despite conceding 52 runs, Hazlewood’s effectiveness was evident in his ability to take key wickets at crucial moments. His sharp bouncers and accurate seam movement troubled the New Zealand batters, leading to crucial breakthroughs. While the match was eventually washed out, Hazlewood’s spell stood out as a top-class exhibition of fast bowling, reinforcing his reputation as a wicket-taking machine in ODI cricket. His effort remains the second-best figures in Champions Trophy history, proving why he was one of Australia’s most reliable bowlers in white-ball cricket.
1. Farveez Maharoof – 6/14 vs West Indies (2006)
Sri Lankan all-rounder Farveez Maharoof delivered a sensational spell of swing and seam bowling in the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, recording the best-ever figures in the tournament’s history. His remarkable 6/14 in just nine overs against the West Indies at Brabourne Stadium dismantled the opposition for a mere 80 runs. Maharoof bowled with pinpoint accuracy, extracting movement off the surf🌠ace to trouble the West Indian batters. His ability to mix up his pace and hit the right lengths consistently proved too much for the Caribbean side, who had no answers to his disciplined attack. With two maidens in his spell, he maintained an astonishing economy rate of 1.55, ensuring that the Windies never got any momentum. Sri Lanka chased down the modest target in just 13.2 overs, winning the match by nine wickets. Maharoof’s performance remains the best-ever bowling figures in a single Champions Trophy innings and cemented his place in Sri Lanka’s white-ball legacy.
