In the eight editions of the ICC Champions Trophy that have been played thus far, some of the most thrilling finals have taken place, with individual skill frequently determining the tournament’s outcome. For those who have played on the grandest stages, winning Player-of-the-Match (POTM) in the final has always been a treasured moment, from Jacques Kallis’ all-around heroics in 1998 to Fakhar Zaman’s outstanding century in 2017.
Jacques Kallis of South Africa put on a strong all-around display in the first edition in 1998, scoring 37 runs and taking 5/30 to assist his team upset the West Indies. Two years later, in 2000, Chris Cairns of New Zealand led his nation to their first ICC championship with a game-winning innings of 102* against India. Both teams were proclaimed equal winners without receiving a POTM award after the 2002 final between India and Sri Lanka was rained out twice.
Ian Bradshaw of the West Indies was instrumental in their close victory over England in the 2004 tournament, scoring 34* (51) and 2/29. With his undefeated 57 and two-wicket haul in 2006, Australia’s all-rounder Shane Watson led his team to their first Champions Trophy triumph. In 2009, he replicated his heroics by defeating the Kiwis with a game-winning 105*.
Ravindra Jadeja’s all-around skill helped the Men in Blue defeat England in a rain-soaked 20-over final in 2013, and Fakhar Zaman’s strong 114 against bitter rivals India in 2017 enabled the Green Shirts win the Champions Trophy for the first time with a decisive 180-run victory.
Who will win the 2025 Champions Trophy Player of the Match award?
An more player will join this exclusive list when India and New Zealand get ready for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 final in Dubai on March 9. Being the only undefeated team in this league, the Rohit Sharma-led team has been playing outstanding ODI cricket. Conversely, having won three of the games played, New Zealand came into the event as the Tri-Nation Series champions.
Curiously, the Kiwis may win their second Champions Trophy and their first ICC white-ball championship in 25 years if Crictracker’s forecasts come true. Rachin Ravindra’s batting might put him in the running for POTM if that occurs.
List of POTM in Champions Trophy Finals Award Winners
| Player Name | Country | Edition | POTM Performance |
| Jacques Kallis | South Africa | 1998 | 37 (51 balls) & 5/30 |
| Chris Cairns | New Zealand | 2000 | 102* (113 balls) |
| Ian Bradshaw | West Indies | 2004 | 34* (51 balls) & (2/54) |
| Shane Watson | Australia | 2006 | 57* (88 balls) & (2/11) |
| Shane Watson | Australia | 2009 | 105* (129 balls) |
| Ravindra Jadeja | India | 2013 | 33* (25 balls) & (2/24) |
| Fakhar Zaman | Pakistan | 2017 | 114 (106 balls) |
| Rachin Ravindra* (Predicted) | New Zealand | 2025 | NA |
India
