2013 Champions Trophy India squad

The grand finale of the 2013 Champions Trophy at Edgbaston witnessed a momentous occasion as India clinched their third ICC title in just seven years, triumphing in a thrilling last-over battle against England. This remarkable journey to glory was characterized not by an underdog narrative but by an exhibition of sheer dominance.

Throughout the tournament, India showcased their formidable prowess, leaving their opponents in awe. With their flawless performances, they instilled fear in the hearts of their competitors, making it evident that they were a force to be reckoned with. Their journey to the final was paved with resounding victories and a display of unwavering confidence.

2013 Champions Trophy India squad

2013 Champions Trophy India squad: Ravichandran Ashwin, Shikhar Dhawan, Mahendra Dhoni (capt & wk), Ravindra Jadeja, Dinesh Karthik (wk), Virat Kohli, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Vinay Kumar, Amit Mishra, Irfan Pathan, Suresh Raina, Ishant Sharma, Rohit Sharma, Murali Vijay, Umesh Yadav.

The 2013 Champions Trophy commenced with a resounding victory for India over South Africa in Cardiff, setting the stage for a series of impressive performances. The Indian team effortlessly dispatched formidable opponents such as West Indies, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka, displaying their dominance in the tournament. On June 23, 2013, they faced England in the final, which had been shortened to a 20-over match due to the notorious English weather.

As the match began, concerns arose about India’s batting prospects on a moist track, particularly against England’s lethal bowling duo of Stuart Broad and James Anderson. The pitch had been under covers for a substantial duration, posing a challenge for India. As India concluded their innings, the scoreboard displayed a modest 129-7 in the 2013 Champions Trophy final highlights. At this point, it appeared to be England’s game to lose.

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Chasing a target of 130, England faced early setbacks with the dismissals of Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Joe Root, and Ian Bell. The English side found themselves reeling at 46-4, teetering on the edge of defeat. However, a resilient partnership between Eoin Morgan and Ravi Bopara shifted the momentum away from India’s defensive efforts, revitalizing England’s chances.

The match reached a critical juncture when England required 20 runs off the last 16 deliveries. Ishant Sharma, entrusted with the 18th over, turned the tide of the game with a stunning display of skill. He dismissed both Morgan and Bopara on consecutive deliveries, injecting a renewed sense of hope into the Indian camp.

Following Sharma’s heroics, Ravindra Jadeja took over the bowling duties and swiftly eliminated Tim Bresnan and Jos Buttler. The English batting lineup, previously holding a seemingly strong position at 102-4, crumbled to a vulnerable 115-8. With only 14 runs to defend, Ravi Ashwin stepped up to deliver the crucial final over.

The tension reached its zenith as Ashwin prepared to face James Tredwell on the last delivery of the tournament. England required a maximum to clinch victory, and the outcome hinged on this intense face-off. Ashwin remained composed, displaying nerves of steel. As Tredwell swung his bat, hope lingered in the English camp, but the ball sailed past the bat, eluding contact. India erupted in celebration, while England’s aspirations were shattered.

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With this triumph, MS Dhoni etched his name in cricketing history as the only captain to win all three ICC events. The victory was not just a tale of underdogs defying the odds but a tale of complete domination by a talented Indian side. Their journey to the Champions Trophy title showcased their unwavering resolve, resilience, and exceptional cricketing prowess.

In conclusion, India’s conquest in the 2013 Champions Trophy final against England stands as a testament to their indomitable spirit and exceptional performance under pressure. The team’s path to victory was paved with a series of commanding displays, culminating in a breathtaking last-over thriller. Led by MS Dhoni, India showcased their mettle, leaving an indelible mark on the world of cricket and etching their name in the annals of sporting history.

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