Published By: Sanchari Das

Did You Know THESE Two Teams Have Never Beaten India in Champions Trophy?

A deep dive into their flawless performance across ICC Champions Trophy editions

The ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will kick off on February 19 in PAK. This highly anticipated tournament, often referred to as the "Mini World Cup," returns after a seven-year hiatus. It will feature the top eight teams in cricket, including arch-rivals India and PAK, and promises thrilling encounters.

Among India's fascinating records in the tournament is their unbeaten streak against two formidable teams: England and South Africa. Let's take a closer look at these records and the unforgettable matches that define them.

India's perfect record against England

India and England have faced off three times in the Champions Trophy, with India emerging victorious each time. The most memorable was the final in 2013, where India defeated England to claim the title.

2013 Final: A rain-hit game saw India score 129/7 in a 20-over contest. Virat Kohli (43) and Ravindra Jadeja (33*) ensured India had a fighting total. Despite efforts from Eoin Morgan (33) and Ravi Bopara (30), England fell short by 5 runs. Jadeja's all-round brilliance earned him Player of the Match, while Shikhar Dhawan, with 363 runs, was named Player of the Series.

2006 Group Stage: In Jaipur, England managed only 125 runs, with Munaf Patel taking 3/18. India chased down the target with 123 balls to spare, thanks to Yuvraj Singh's unbeaten 27. Munaf's bowling heroics won him the Player of the Match award.

2002 Group Stage: England set a competitive 269/7, but Virender Sehwag (126) and Sourav Ganguly (117) ensured a dominating 8-wicket win for India in Colombo. The opening duo's partnership remains iconic in India's Champions Trophy history.

In the 2025 edition, India and England are in separate groups, making a potential clash possible only in the semi-finals or final. England will be eager to rewrite history, but India's record gives them an edge.

India's dominance over South Africa

South Africa, a powerhouse in ODI cricket, has struggled to overcome India in the Champions Trophy. Across four encounters, India has maintained an unbeaten record.

2017 Group Stage: India's bowlers restricted South Africa to 191, with Jasprit Bumrah taking 2/28. Shikhar Dhawan (78) and Virat Kohli (76) led India to an 8-wicket win, sealing a semi-final berth. Bumrah's all-round effort earned him Player of the Match.

2013 Group Stage: In a high-scoring opener, India posted 331/7, with Shikhar Dhawan smashing 114. Despite AB de Villiers' 70 and Robin Peterson's 68, South Africa fell short by 26 runs. Dhawan's century earned him Player of the Match.

2002 Semi-Final: India's 261/9, powered by Virender Sehwag (59) and Yuvraj Singh (62), proved enough. South Africa's Herschelle Gibbs retired hurt on 116, and Jacques Kallis' 97 couldn't save them. Sehwag's all-round performance (3/25) sealed a 10-run win.

2000 KnockOut Semi-Final: Sourav Ganguly's unbeaten 141 guided India to 295/6. South Africa crumbled under pressure, folding for 200. Zaheer Khan (2/27) and Anil Kumble (2/28) starred with the ball in a 95-run win.

With South Africa in a different group this year, any encounter would likely occur in the knockout stage, increasing the stakes.

England and South Africa: Challenges ahead

Both England and South Africa are strong teams with the potential to upset India. While England boasts a dynamic batting lineup, South Africa's all-round strength can trouble any opponent. However, history has repeatedly favoured India in the Champions Trophy.

Can India maintain their streak?

India's unbeaten records against England and South Africa add a layer of intrigue to the 2025 Champions Trophy. With thrilling contests in store, these rivalries will undoubtedly be a highlight of the tournament. Fans eagerly await to see if history will repeat itself or a new chapter will be written.