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The Champions Trophy 2025 has entered its climax with India and New Zealand set to face each other in the all-important clash. While the high-scoring venues of Pakistan and slow turning tracks of Dubai favoured batters more to an♎ extent, the might and prowess of the bowling units too did not disappoint. While the cricketing world saw some wonderful performances with the bowl this time around, bowlers have impressed in the tournament throughout its history.
Matt Henry tops the bowling charts in the Champions Trophy 2025
New Zealand pacer Matt Henry is currently the leading wicket-taker in the tournament with 10 wickets to his name in 4 matches. The first notable performance from Henry came during New Zealand’s group stage clash against Pakistan where he took 2 crucial wickets and gave away 25 runs in 7.2 overs. Henry was at the peak of his prowess during the group stage contest against India where he took 5 wickets for 42 runs in 8 overs. Henry became the second pacer to take the 5-wicket haul in the Champions Trophy 2025, after Mohammed Shami took the first against Bangladesh.
In light of the bowling brilliance witnessed by the cricketing worl🥀d this time, and an exciting final up for grabs, here are the top 5 best bowlin𒁏g figures in Champions Trophy final history.
Top 5 best bowling figures in Champions Trophy final history
(1) Jacques Kallis (5/30 in 7.3 overs):
In the final of the 1998 Wills International Cup, Jacques Kallis delivered a match-winning performance with the ball, playing a crucial role in South Africa‘s victory over the West Indies. Kallis took an impressive 5 wickets for 30 runs, dismantling the West Indian batting lineup with precision. His spell was key in restricting the West Indies to a modest total, as he claimed the wickets of Carl Hooper, Keith Arthurton, Phil Simmons, Ridley Jacobs, and Rawl Lewis. Kallis’ ability to break partnerships and apply pressure throughout the innings was pivotal, and his economical bowling ensured the West Indies struggled to build any momentum. His all-round brilliance with both bat and ball earned him the Player of the Match award, and his decisive spell was instrumental in securing South Africa’s victory in the final.
(2) Mohammad Amir (3/16 in 6 overs):
In the final of the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, Mohammad Amir delivered a sensational spell of bowling that was instrumental in India’s dramatic collapse, helping Pakistan to a resounding victory. Amir’s figures of 3 wickets for 16 runs in 6 overs were nothing short of outstanding, as he wreaked havoc early on in India’s chase. His pinpoint accuracy and swing caused the Indian top order to crumble, with key wickets falling in quick succession. Amir first dismissed Rohit Sharma for a duck, then followed it up by sending Virat Kohli back to the pavilion. He then claimed Shikhar Dhawan’s wicket, reducing India to a perilous 33/3. His relentless pressure and ability to strike at crucial moments set the tone for the rest of the innings, and his spell was one of the defining factors in Pakistan’s historic 180-run victory. Amir’s performance in this final remains one of the most memorable in Champions Trophy history.
Also Read: Top 5 highest team total🧜s in the history of Champions Trophy finals
(3) Nathan Bracken (3/22 in 6 overs):
In the final of the 2006 ICC Champions Trophy, Nathan Bracken put on a match-winning performance with the ball, claiming three crucial wickets to help Australia dominate the West Indies. Bracken’s figures of 3/33 were pivotal in restricting the West Indies’ progress, as he struck early and often. He dismissed Chris Gayle for 37 with a well-placed delivery, followed by the key wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 27, cleaning up the top order. Bracken also sent Ramnaresh Sarwan packing with a fine catch by Brad Hogg, l𒈔eaving the West Indies struggling at 69/4. His relentlessไ accuracy and ability to break partnerships at critical junctures made him a standout performer in the final, helping Australia restrict the West Indies to a manageable total and ultimately seal the victory.
(4) Wavell Hinds (3/24 in 10 overs):
In the final of the 2004 ICC Champions Trophy, Wavell Hinds delivered a standout bowling performance, taking 3 crucial wickets to help guide the West Indies to victory over England. Hinds’ figures of 3/38 were pivotal in restricting England’s batting lineup. He first dismissed Andrew Flintoff for just 3 runs, caught by Brian Lara, before sending Paul Collingwood back for 16 runs, and then had Geraint Jones caught by Chanderpaul for 6. His ability to strike in the middle overs was key in breaking England’s momentum and reducing them to a challenging position. Hinds’ disciplined and clever bowling at criti♛cal moments helped the West Indies maintain control of the match, contributing significantly to their comprehensive win.
(5) Venkatesh Prasad (3/27 in 7 overs):
In the final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut, Venkatesh Prasad delivered a vital bowling performance for India, taking 3 crucial wickets to help keep New Zealand in check during their chase of 265. Prasad’s figures of 3/53 were key in breaking the momentum of New Zealand’s batting order. He struck early, dismissing Craig Spearman for just 3 runs, and later sent both Stephen Fleming and Chris Harris back to the pavilion, with the latter’s wicket reducing New Zealand to a precarious 174/6. Prasad’s consistency and ability to break key partnerships were pivotal in keeping India’s hopes alive in the match. Despite his efforts, New Zealand’s late surge, spearheaded by Chris Cairns, ultimately saw them over the line, but Prasad’s performance was a crucial part of the cont♌est, and he playe♏d a significant role in maintaining pressure throughout New Zealand’s chase.
