Wed Feb 19 09:07:10 UTC 2025: ## India Holds Unique Champions Trophy Record: Winning Opening and Final Matches

**Karachi, Pakistan** – The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 kicks off today in Karachi with the hosts, Pakistan, facing New Zealand. While the tournament’s final is set for March 9th, a piece of history surrounding the event will interest Indian cricket fans. India uniquely holds the record of being the only team to win both the opening and final matches of a single Champions Trophy tournament.

This remarkable feat was achieved in 2013 under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. India defeated South Africa by 26 runs in the opening match and went on to triumph over England by 5 runs in the final, played at England itself.

While Sri Lanka came close in 2002, winning their opening match against Pakistan only to have the final against India abandoned due to rain resulting in a joint victory, they did not achieve the sole winning of both matches. Other winning teams, including South Africa (1998), New Zealand (2000), West Indies (2004), Australia (2006 and 2009), and Pakistan (2017), did not win their opening matches.

This unique achievement solidifies India’s place in Champions Trophy history, highlighting the team’s dominance and consistency in that particular tournament.

Read More