ICC tournament finals hold a special place in the field of cricketing landscape. Several remarkable hundreds have been scored over the past few decades. Each moment not only portrays the skills and excellence of the batsman but also delivers the context in which the run was scored.
In future, when you download fantasy cricket games, include match-winners in your team to maximize your winning potential.
Let’s recapitulate some pivotal centuries in the ICC finals.
1. Ricky Ponting – 140 vs India, ICC World Cup Final 2003*
Ricky Ponting’s invincible and not-out century in the 2023 ICC final has been reminisced and cherished by all cricket fans.
Under the beautiful atmosphere of South Africa, Ponting directed the Baggy Green from the front. He scored a smashing 140 off just 121 balls. His innings not only exhibited his extraordinary cricketing skills and accuracy but also terrified Indian bowlers.
With 8 sixes and 4 boundaries, he helped Australia to reach a total of 359/2. Ponting’s glorious century not only bagged a championship for the team Australia but also personified him as one of the greatest captains in the world.
2. Adam Gilchrist – 149 vs Sri Lanka, ICC World Cup Final 2007
After four years after Pointing’s classic century, Adam Gilchrist followed the legacy in Bridgetown, Barbados. In the final against Sri Lanka, he made an explosive score of 149 from just 104 balls.
This game was not only remarkable for Australia’s stupendous performance, but also it is remembered due to its context. The rain-affected pitch helped bowlers a lot. The match was reduced to 38 overs (for each side), and Australia amassed a total of 281.
Gilchrist’s ferocious batting crushed the Sri Lankan attack and built up the base for Australia’s third consecutive World Cup title.
3. Mahela Jayawardene – 103 vs India, ICC World Cup Final 2011*
Though Sri Landa couldn’t fetch the title in the ICC World Cup Final 2011, Mahela Jayawardene’s finesse century was applauded by all.
With unparalleled style and accurate timing, Jayawardene scored 103 off 88 balls. His irresistible performance helped Sri Lanka to reach a total of 274/6. His footwork was rhyme in motion, and the innings portrayed his style and class under tremendous pressure.
Though India successfully targeted, Jayawardene’s century is one of the most beautiful
knocks ever played in a World Cup final.
4. Fakhar Zaman – 114 vs India, ICC Champions Trophy Final 2017
This was the most unanticipated and emotional hundred in an ICC final, came from Pakistan’s Fakhar Zaman at The Oval.
Playing for his 4th ODI match, Zaman scored an astounding 114 off 106 balls (twelve fours and three sixes) against Pakistan’s favorite rival, India. His courageous approach shattered the Indian bowling attack and helped Pakistan to dominate the game from the very start. Zaman’s game-changing hundred turned him into a star overnight.
5. Travis Head – 137 vs India, ICC World Test Championship Final 2023
Travis Head delivered a ruthless performance in the 2023 World Test Championship final against India at The Oval.
Australia was 76/3 at one stage; however, Head scored his century in just 106 balls. His partnership with Steve Smith completely turned the table.
With 137 off 120 balls, Head not only snatched the title for Australia but also made history by becoming the first centurion in a WTC final. When you download the best fantasy cricket app in India and prepare for upcoming fantasy cricket series, include Travis Head as a potential batsman for your squad.
6. Sourav Ganguly – 117 vs New Zealand, ICC KnockOut Trophy 2000 (semi-final)*
Though not in the final match, Ganguly scored a stalwart century in the semi-final of the 2000 ICC KnockOut Trophy. His century will be remembered for its impact and context.
With an unbeatable 117, he helped India for a remarkable win and threw the team into the final. However, the team India was defeated in the final against New Zealand. Ganguly’s hard-hitting century came as a captain’s innings under tremendous pressure.
What Makes a Century in an ICC Final So Special?
In a final like an ICC tournament, a century from a batsman creates national memory.
These hundreds display the weight of potentials, bequest, and the eyes of millions. Whether it was Ponting’s viciousness, Jayawardene’s grace, or Head’s brashness, they all changed the progression and context of the matches.
Conclusion:
Have you ever imagined selecting players like Ricky Ponting, Adam Gilchrist, or Fakhar Zaman in your fantasy team, especially in a final match? In the world of fantasy cricket, selecting the match-winner is the ultimate thrill. MyChamp11, one of the safe fantasy sorts apps in India, brings that excitement to your fingertips.
As we celebrate some of the finest centuries in ICC final history, why not step into the game yourself? Pick your legends, build your dream team, and relive the magic of cricket’s greatest moments, all on MyChamp11.
