The Champions Trophy, as one of the leading ODI competitions, has always been a venue where bowlers have made their mark in the history of cricket. Scoring a 5-wicket haul in this esteemed tournament is proof of a bowler’s skill and determination.
In the 2025 version, some of the bowlers have joined this glorious roll of honor, including India’s Varun Chakravarthy, who recently produced a match-winning effort against New Zealand. The following article explores the entire role of bowlers who have attained this incredible feat in the Champions Trophy.
Legendary Performances: Early Champions Trophy Five-Wicket Hauls
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The first Champions Trophy in 1998 saw South African Jacques Kallis set the tone against the West Indies, bagging 5/30. This early achievement attested to the competition’s ability to generate great bowling performances. In 2000, New Zealand’s Shayne O’Connor imitated this achievement against Pakistan, taking 5/46. Australian pace great Glenn McGrath repeated this in 2002 with 5/37 against New Zealand, further establishing the Champions Trophy as a competition for top-quality cricket.
Champions Trophy 2004: The Year of Bowling Supremacy
In the 2004 Champions Trophy, bowlers had a remarkably good year. Jacob Oram (New Zealand) captured 5/36 against the USA, and Shahid Afridi (Pakistan) bowled out a master class of 5/11 against Kenya. There was also a 5/29 taken by Mervyn Dillon (West Indies) from Bangladesh, justifying the range of bowling skills exhibited in the Champions Trophy.
Champions Trophy 2006 & 2009: Superb Bowling Acts
Farveez Maharoof’s 6/14 for Sri Lanka against the West Indies during the 2006 Champions Trophy is one of the best bowling displays in the tournament. Makhaya Ntini of South Africa also performed admirably in 2006 with 5/21 against Pakistan. Wayne Parnell of South Africa took 5/57 against New Zealand in 2009, following the tradition of good bowling in the Champions Trophy.
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Modern Era: Champions Trophy 5-Wicket Hauls in Recent Editions
Ravindra Jadeja’s 5/36 against the West Indies for India in the 2013 Champions Trophy underscored the increasing role of spin bowling. Josh Hazlewood (Australia) took a magnificent 6/52 against New Zealand in 2017, even though the match was rain-curtailed.
The 2025 Champions Trophy has already witnessed Mohammed Shami (India) claiming 5/53 against Bangladesh, Azmatullah Omarzai (Afghanistan) claiming 5/58 against England, Matt Henry(New Zealand) claiming 5/42 against India, and Varun Chakravarthy (India) claiming 5/42 against New Zealand, contributing to the tournament’s rich history of bowling excellence.
Varun Chakravarthy’s Champions Trophy Debut: A Historic Performance
Varun Chakravarthy’s 5/42 against New Zealand in the 2025 Champions Trophy marks a significant moment in his career. Making his tournament debut, Chakravarthy’s performance was crucial in India’s victory, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His inclusion in the list of bowlers with 5-wicket hauls in the Champions Trophy further cements his reputation as a formidable spinner.
Champions Trophy: A Legacy of Exceptional Bowling
The Champions Trophy remains a stage where bowlers can showcase their talent and leave lasting legacies. The roll call of bowlers with 5-wicket hauls is a reflection of the competitive nature of the tournament and the high standards of cricket it maintains. From iconic spells to new faces, the Champions Trophy remains a platform where bowling excellence is celebrated.
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