Rohit Sharma lost another toss. He went through the entire ICC Champions Trophy without winning the toss and the trend continued in the final as well. Rohit lost his 12th consecutive toss before New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner put his side to bat first. The Dubai International Cricket Stadium (DICS) has offered a spinning wicket thus far but the dew factor hasn’t kicked in.
Hence, the question may arise for people about the record for India while chasing at ICC Finals. Rohit Sharma and his men will hunt for India’s second consecutive ICC title in as many years. Last year, the Men in Blue broke the ICC title drought of 11 years after they lifted the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Barbados against South Africa. Now, in Dubai, India would hope to chase down whatever New Zealand manage to score.
India’s highest successful chase in ICC Finals
Can you imagine that India’s highest successful chase in ICC finals is their only chase at a high-octane match like a final! The Asian giants have won five ICC titles so far. If we leave aside the 2002 Champions Trophy title that was shared, India have defended the total 3 out of 4 times they have clinched an ICC championship.
During both the 1983 and 2013 ODI wins, India batted first. Also, at the 2024 T20 World Cup, it was India’s bowling that won them the match.
India’s only ICC title win via a chase came during the 2011 ODI World Cup. Coincidentally, India lost the toss at that game also, with MS Dhoni’s side forced to field first. Incredibly, Zaheer Khan bowled an immaculate opening spell but Mahela Jayawardene played a delightful innings. He hammered a superb century, taking Sri Lanka to 274/6. Yuvraj Singh took two wickets as well.
In reply, India lost both the legends early – Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag. Then came a match-changing partnership between Gautam Gambhir and Virat Kohli, who both added 83 runs for the third wicket. Kohli got out for 35 after Dilshan plucked a sensational catch before Dhoni himself walked in. Him and Gambhir stitched 109 runs. Before Gambhir failed to get his hundred and was out for 97, Dhoni (92*) finished the things off in style with a six for the ages. It remains the only successful chase for India at ICC events. The fans would hope that March 9’s Champions Trophy fixture adds to this and make a list.
List of India’s chases at ICC Finals
| Match | Opp. Score | IND score | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 ODI World Cup Final | 274/6 | 277/4 | IND win by 6 wickets |
Editor's Pick
Cricket
Will Gambhir try Rishabh Pant or Nitish Reddy in IND vs SA 3rd ODI with series on the line?
Top Stories
