**2006 Champions Trophy**
**Definition:**
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was the sixth edition of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Champions Trophy, a One Day International (ODI) cricket tournament held in India from October 7 to October 15, 2006. It featured the top eight cricketing nations competing for the prestigious limited-overs title.
—
# 2006 Champions Trophy
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was a major international cricket tournament organized by the International Cricket Council (ICC). It was the sixth installment of the Champions Trophy series, which is considered the second most important ODI tournament after the Cricket World Cup. The event took place in India from October 7 to October 15, 2006, featuring the top eight cricketing nations competing in a knockout format. The tournament was notable for its competitive matches, upsets, and the eventual victory of Australia, who defeated the West Indies in the final to claim their second Champions Trophy title.
—
## Background
The ICC Champions Trophy was introduced in 1998 as a replacement for the ICC KnockOut tournament, with the aim of providing a high-profile ODI competition featuring the best cricketing nations. The 2006 edition was the first time the tournament was held in India, a country with a rich cricketing heritage and a passionate fan base. The tournament was seen as an opportunity for teams to assert their dominance in the ODI format ahead of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.
—
## Format
The 2006 Champions Trophy followed a straight knockout format, unlike the round-robin group stages used in some previous editions. The eight participating teams were seeded based on their ICC ODI rankings and previous performances. The tournament structure consisted of quarter-finals, semi-finals, and a final, with each match being a single-elimination game. This format increased the stakes of each match, as a single loss meant elimination from the tournament.
—
## Participating Teams
The eight teams that qualified for the 2006 Champions Trophy were:
– Australia
– West Indies
– South Africa
– New Zealand
– Pakistan
– England
– Sri Lanka
– India
These teams represented the top cricketing nations at the time, with a mix of established powerhouses and emerging sides.
—
## Venues
The tournament was hosted across three venues in India:
– **M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bangalore**
– **Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali**
– **Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur**
These stadiums were selected for their facilities and capacity to host international matches, providing a vibrant atmosphere for the tournament.
—
## Tournament Summary
### Quarter-finals
The quarter-finals featured four matches, with the winners advancing to the semi-finals:
1. **Australia vs. South Africa**
Australia defeated South Africa in a closely contested match, showcasing their strong batting and bowling performances.
2. **West Indies vs. New Zealand**
West Indies secured a victory over New Zealand, with key contributions from their experienced players.
3. **Pakistan vs. England**
Pakistan emerged victorious against England, leveraging their bowling attack to restrict the English batsmen.
4. **India vs. Sri Lanka**
Sri Lanka upset the host nation India in a thrilling encounter, advancing to the semi-finals.
### Semi-finals
The semi-finals saw intense competition between the four remaining teams:
1. **Australia vs. Sri Lanka**
Australia continued their dominant form, defeating Sri Lanka to reach the final.
2. **West Indies vs. Pakistan**
West Indies overcame Pakistan in a high-pressure match, setting up a final against Australia.
### Final
The final was held at the Punjab Cricket Association Stadium in Mohali on October 15, 2006. Australia faced the West Indies in a match that highlighted the strengths of both teams. Australia batted first and posted a competitive total, with significant contributions from their top-order batsmen. The West Indies struggled to chase the target against Australia’s disciplined bowling attack. Australia won the final by eight wickets, securing their second ICC Champions Trophy title.
—
## Key Players and Performances
– **Adam Gilchrist (Australia):** Gilchrist was instrumental with the bat throughout the tournament, providing aggressive starts and finishing matches strongly. He was named Player of the Tournament for his consistent performances.
– **Brian Lara (West Indies):** Lara was the leading run-scorer for the West Indies, showcasing his class and experience in crucial matches.
– **Shaun Pollock (South Africa):** Pollock’s bowling was a highlight for South Africa, particularly in the quarter-final match.
– **Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka):** The legendary spinner played a key role in Sri Lanka’s victory over India.
—
## Impact and Legacy
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy reinforced Australia’s dominance in ODI cricket during the mid-2000s. The tournament’s knockout format added excitement and unpredictability, with several matches decided in close finishes. Hosting the event in India helped promote cricket in the subcontinent and provided local fans with the opportunity to witness top-level international cricket.
The success of the tournament contributed to the ICC’s decision to continue the Champions Trophy as a regular fixture in the international cricket calendar. It also served as a precursor to the 2007 Cricket World Cup, allowing teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses in the limited-overs format.
—
## Statistical Highlights
– **Most Runs:** Brian Lara (West Indies)
– **Most Wickets:** Brett Lee (Australia)
– **Highest Team Total:** Australia in the final
– **Best Bowling Figures:** Notable performances by Shaun Pollock and Muttiah Muralitharan
—
## Conclusion
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was a significant event in the cricketing calendar, showcasing high-quality limited-overs cricket among the world’s best teams. Australia’s victory underscored their status as the leading ODI side of the era, while the tournament’s competitive matches and dramatic moments contributed to its lasting appeal. The event helped maintain the Champions Trophy’s reputation as a premier international cricket tournament and set the stage for future competitions.
—
**Meta Description:**
The 2006 ICC Champions Trophy was a knockout ODI cricket tournament held in India, featuring eight top international teams. Australia won the title by defeating the West Indies in the final.