The Champions Trophy has featured remarkable bowling performances against India. Bowlers have delivered exceptional spells, taking multiple wickets and keeping India in check during crucial matches. These standout performances helped shape memorable moments in the tournament, with bowlers playing a significant role in limiting India’s total and achieving victory.
Douglas Hondo (Zimbabwe), Colombo, 2002 – 4/62
Number four on the list is Zimbabwe’s Douglas Hondo, who delivered a remarkable performance against India in the 2002 Champions Trophy at Colombo’s RPS stadium. Hondo, a right-arm pacer, took four wickets for 62 runs in his nine-over spell, a lone bright spot for Zimbabwe. Despite India posting 288 runs, with Mohammed Kaif’s unbeaten 111, Zimbabwe came close, scoring 274. India won by 14 runs. Hondo’s key wickets, including that of Sourav Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, Sachin Tendulkar, and Yuvraj Singh, made his spell memorable.
Shoaib Akhtar (Pakistan), Birmingham, 2004 – 4/36
Number three on the list is Pakistan’s express pace bowler, Shoaib Akhtar, known for his blistering pace. In the 2004 Champions Trophy match in Birmingham, Akhtar tormented Indian batters with a stunning four-wicket haul. He dismissed Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, and Ashish Nehra, giving away just 36 runs in 9.5 overs. His brilliant spell helped Pakistan bowl India out for 200. Pakistan chased down the target of 201 in the final over, winning by three wickets with four balls to spare.
Rana Naved-ul- Hasan (Pakistan), Birmingham, 2004 – 4/25
In the same match where Shoaib Akhtar took four wickets, his bowling partner, Rana Naved-ul-Hasan, also delivered a stellar performance, picking up four wickets for 25 runs in his nine-over spell. Naved’s wickets included VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, and Ajit Agarkar. With an impressive economy rate of just 2.77, Naved’s brilliant spell, alongside Akhtar’s, helped bowl India out for 200. Their combined effort played a crucial role in Pakistan’s three-wicket win, securing their spot in the semi-final of the tournament.
Matt Henry (New Zealand), Dubai, 2025, This Match* – 5/42
Henry’s brilliance started early, dismissing Shubman Gill and then sending Virat Kohli back with a sensational catch by Glenn Phillips. He later claimed the wickets of Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, and Mohammed Shami, finishing with figures of 5/42 in just eight overs at an economy of 5.20. Thanks to his incredible spell, India could only manage 249/9.
| Bowler | Match | Wickets | Runs Conceded | Economy Rate | Overs Bowled | Notable Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Douglas Hondo | 2002 Champions Trophy vs India | 4 | 62 | 6.88 | 9 | Sourav Ganguly, Dinesh Mongia, Sachin Tendulkar, Yuvraj Singh |
| Shoaib Akhtar | 2004 Champions Trophy vs India | 4 | 36 | 3.66 | 9.5 | Mohammed Kaif, Yuvraj Singh, Irfan Pathan, Ashish Nehra |
| Rana Naved-ul-Hasan | 2004 Champions Trophy vs India | 4 | 25 | 2.77 | 9 | VVS Laxman, Virender Sehwag, Rahul Dravid, Ajit Agarkar |
| Matt Henry | 2025 Champions Trophy vs India | 5 | 42 | 5.20 | 8 | Shubman Gill, Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, Ravindra Jadeja, Mohammed Shami |