2002 ICC Champions Trophy: A Tale of Rain, Drama, and Shared Glory

The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy ranks among the most memorable tournaments in cricket history. Held in Sri Lanka, it brought some of cricket’s major nations fighting for supremacy. Yet, the final between India and Sri Lanka finished on an unexpected note; Both teams shared the trophy as a consequence of relentless rain interruptions.

It was a historic moment as Sourav Ganguly and Sanath Jayasuriya lifted up the trophy together; it was a shared moment for both teams as it was their first triumph in the Champions Trophy. If there was a margin with one team winning, it could have been a 50-50 effort by both teams had there been proper reserve day rules.

The 2002 ICC Champions Trophy: A Tournament Full of Twists

Previously, it had been planned that the event would be held in India; however, due to tax exemption issues, it moved to Sri Lanka. The use of a league format within the tournament was a first, replacing the knockout-style competitions held in previous editions in, respectively, Bangladesh (1998) and Kenya (2000).

A total of 12 teams were divided into 4 groups of 3 each, with only group winners advancing to the semifinals.

India’s Journey to the Final

India was placed in a competitive group alongside England and Zimbabwe. The road to the final was anything but easy, as the Men in Blue had to overcome significant hurdles:

India vs. Zimbabwe: Kaif’s Heroics and Zaheer’s Masterclass

• India’s innings was in deep trouble early on, thanks to Douglas Hondo’s four-wicket haul.
• Mohammed Kaif, however, rose to the occasion, playing a magnificent 111 off 112 balls to help India post 288/6.
• In reply, Andy Flower’s 145 kept Zimbabwe in the hunt, but Zaheer Khan’s four wickets ensured India scraped through with a 14-run victory.

India vs. England: Sehwag’s Destructive Knock

• England’s Ian Blackwell’s quickfire 82 propelled his team to 269/7 on a slow pitch.
• India’s chase was dominated by Virender Sehwag, who played a sensational 126 off 104 balls, sealing a 7-wicket win.
• The win sent India to the semifinals against South Africa.

Semifinal vs. South Africa: Sehwag’s All-Round Brilliance

• Sehwag once again led the charge, scoring 59 runs before Rahul Dravid (49) and Yuvraj Singh (62) helped India set a competitive target of 262.
• South Africa, thanks to Herschelle Gibbs’ century (116), seemed to be coasting towards victory at 191/1 in the 38th over.
• However, Gibbs retired due to cramps, and India mounted a dramatic comeback.
• Ganguly’s tactical brilliance came into play as Sehwag’s part-time off-spin (3/25 in 5 overs) triggered a collapse, leading to a 10-run win for India.

Sri Lanka’s Path to the Final

• Muttiah Muralitharan’s spin dismantled Australia in the other semifinal, restricting them to 162.
• Sri Lanka chased down the total with ease, securing a 7-wicket win and setting up a final showdown against India.

The Final: A Tale of Two Rain-Interrupted Matches

The much-anticipated final took place at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium on September 29, 2002.

First Attempt (September 29)

• Sri Lanka batted first, posting 244 with Sanath Jayasuriya and Mahela Jayawardene scoring crucial half-centuries.
• India started their chase but could only reach 14/0 before rain forced an abandonment.

Replayed Final (September 30)

• The match was restarted the next day as a fresh game.
• Sri Lanka once again batted first, this time managing 222, with Jayawardene playing another classy knock of 77.
• As India began their chase, rain intervened again, rendering the game incomplete.

Since the rules did not allow further extension, the trophy was shared, with Ganguly and Jayasuriya lifting it together.

Legacy of the 2002 ICC Champions Trophy

• This was the first major ICC trophy for India since the 1983 World Cup win.
• The tournament introduced group-stage matches, making it more competitive than previous editions.
• The controversial rule that forced the replay instead of continuing the game from the previous day was later changed by the ICC.
• The final remains one of the most memorable instances of a shared ICC trophy—something that has never happened again in a global tournament.

Also Read: India’s Predicted Playing XI For The ICC Champions Trophy