Cricket is not just a game, it’s a dream, passion, fun, joyment, and pride for many as well. For players, fans, and spectators, it could be different. Cricket fans still remember the 2013 ICC Champions Trophy final between India and England. It was a match full of excitement, tension, and drama. The final took place on June 23, 2013, at Edgbaston, Birmingham. This is a game that should be remembered for the ages. India started the tournament with many youngsters in the team. England has the advantage of playing in their home. Two strong teams fought hard for the trophy. India didn’t lose a single game in that tour. The final match was a rain-interrupted game that has been reduced to 20 overs match which was a nail biting game, where India come out as a winner in last few overs.
India’s Journey to the Final
India played well throughout the tournament. The team won all its matches in the group stage. They defeated South Africa, West Indies, and Pakistan to enter the semi-finals. In the semi-final, India played against Sri Lanka and won easily. The team was ready to face England in the big final.
England’s Road to the Final
England also played well in the group stage. They won matches against Australia and New Zealand. Even though they lost to Sri Lanka, England reached the semi-finals. In the semi-final, they defeated South Africa to set up a clash with India in the final.
Rain Affects the Final
The whole tournament was played in a round-robin format where the top 8 teams in the ICC ranking participated. It was a fifty overs white ball one day international tournament. The final game was supposed to be a 50-over match, but heavy rain delayed the game. After a long wait, the match was reduced to 20 overs per side. This made the game even more exciting. Both teams had to change their plans quickly.
India’s Batting Struggle
India batted first, and it was a typical English overcast conditions, favoring bowlers after rain. England bowlers bowled very well and took the wickets of Shikhar Dhawan, and Rohit Sharma. Virat Kohli tried to score runs, but it was not easy to score quick runs. Ravindra Jadeja played a crucial knock at the end and helped India reach 129/7 in 20 overs. England needed 130 runs to win in 20 overs.
England’s Chase and India’s Fightback
England started their chase well, with Alastair Cook and Ian Bell trying to score runs quickly. It seemed like the English team would take the game with them. But India’s bowlers, especially Ishant Sharma and Ravindra Jadeja, bowled brilliantly. Rain affected the game while England was batting, and it helped Indian bowlers take crucial wickets and took India back in the game. When England needed 6 runs from the last ball, James Tredwell was on strike. He missed the shot, and India won the match by 5 runs. The Indian players and fans were overjoyed. This last over was bowled by R Ashwin.
India’s Historic Win
Ravindra Jadeja was named Man of the Match, and Shikhar Dhawan was the Player of the Tournament in his very first ICC tournament. He has played amazing cricket in ICC tournaments.
With this victory over the England team, India won the Champions Trophy for the second time. This CT win is big in many ways, as India shared their first CT with Sri Lanka as a joint winner. The young Indian team celebrated their success. MS Dhoni became the first captain in history to win all three ICC trophies – T20 World Cup (2007), ODI World Cup (2011), and Champions Trophy (2013) under his captaincy.
Champions Trophy Excitement
ICC Champions Trophy is a 50-overs ODI format tournament played every few years between two ODI cricket world cup. In CT, there are criteria for qualifying; only 8 teams can participate in the tournament, along with the hosting country. Many cricket fans love to bet on big matches like this. Fans look for the best betting app to enjoy live action like they enjoyed in IPL. If you want to try online IPL betting, 96.com offers exciting options.
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The 2013 Champions Trophy final was one of the most thrilling cricket matches ever. India’s close win against England remains unforgettable. MS Dhoni and his team showed great skill and courage. Whether you want IPL betting tips free or want to check the IPL betting rate, you can find all the information on 96.com. Get ready for more thrilling cricket action!