On September 25, 2004, West Indies triumphed over England in a heart-pounding final at The Oval, securing the ICC Champions Trophy by two wickets with just seven balls to spare. This thrilling match will be remembered not only for its dramatic conclusion but also for the heroic efforts of two unlikely stars—Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw—who steered West Indies to an unforgettable victory.
The match began with England batting first, posting a competitive total of 217 all out in 49.4 overs. England’s innings was anchored by Marcus Trescothick, whose sublime century (104 off 124 balls) provided stability in the face of disciplined West Indies bowling.
Trescothick’s innings was supported by contributions from Ashley Giles (31 off 37 balls), but England faltered towards the end, losing key wickets to a determined West Indies attack. Wavell Hinds, with his impressive 3/24, and Ian Bradshaw, who took 2/54, led the charge in restricting England to a chaseable total.
An iconic partnership for the 9th wicket
In response, West Indies stumbled early in their chase, with star players like Shivnarine Chanderpaul (47 off 66 balls) and captain Brian Lara (14 off 28 balls) failing to convert their starts into big scores. England’s bowlers, especially Andrew Flintoff (3/38), kept West Indies on the back foot, reducing them to 147/8. At that moment, it seemed the trophy was destined for England, with the hosts in full control.
However, what followed was a remarkable display of grit and determination. Courtney Browne and Ian Bradshaw came together with West Indies needing 71 runs with only two wickets in hand. Their unbroken 71-run partnership for the ninth wicket turned the tide. Bradshaw’s calm under pressure, scoring a vital 34* off 51 balls, alongside Browne’s steady 35* off 55 balls, guided the West Indies to 218/8 in 48.5 overs, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.
Bradshaw’s all-around performance earned him the Player of the Match award, while Ramnaresh Sarwan, who contributed 166 runs throughout the tournament, was named Player of the Series. This victory marked West Indies’ first ICC Champions Trophy win, a historic achievement for a team that had been struggling in the years leading up to the tournament.
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