Some unusual facts about the Champions Trophy tournament
The 2017 ICC Champions Trophy has entered its final stage now. With semi-finals scheduled on 14 and 15 June, the tournament has seen some unusual turn of events in the past two weeks. Let us go back in time and have a look at some of the unusual incidents that have taken place in the Champions Trophy since 1998.
Rahul Dravid takes the matter in his own hands
During the second semi-finals of the 1998 Champions Trophy, then called the Wills International Cup, former captain Rahul Dravid bowled six overs against West Indies. It was only the third time in his ODI career that Dravid was bowling in a match. However, captain Mohammad Azharuddin's decision proved wrong, as Dravid gave away 36 runs in his six overs without picking up a wicket.
When Tendulkar sledged back McGrath
Sachin Tendulkar is known to for his calm behavior on the field, who lets his bat do all the talking. However, during the 2000 Champions Trophy, Glenn McGrath sledged Tendulkar after he had hit him for a six. Much to McGrath's surprise, Tendulkar sledged him back saying that he "would hit him out of the ground" and did the same by hitting two sixes.
Two finals got washed out
In one of the rare incidents in the international cricket, the final of the 2002 Champions Trophy was washed out twice. The tournament ended with India and Sri Lanka, the two finalists, sharing the trophy.
Just one match, but best bowling average by an Indian
Off spinner Ramesh Powar played only one match in 2006 ICC Champions Trophy. However, with three crucial wickets, he averages 8.00 in the tournament, with a strike rate of 16. His bowling average is the best by an Indian in Champions Trophy. Unsurprisingly, the figure of 3/24 is also his career best. In this match against England he bowled eight overs, including one maiden.
June, the month of birthdays
During the 18 days of 2017 ICC Champions Trophy, 10 cricketers from the participating teams will celebrate their birthday. Interestingly, apart from Pakistan, there is at least one player from each team who will celebrate his birthday.
