ICC Champions Trophy 2013 – England v India

England lost by five runs in the ICC Champions Trophy final to India, after hitting the self-destruct button. India set them a target of 130 at Edgbaston, but collapsed with 20 runs to go.

Despite a gallant effort from Ravi Bopara, England’s batting order slumped to 124-8, after captain Alistair Cook chose to bowl first in the weather-affected match.

Bopara’s heroics with the bat and the ball were evident after bowling three of the Indian team out, and went on to score 30 from just 25 balls. However, England’s run chase faltered once he left the crease.

The game was a thrilling encounter, with both sides proving in the reduced overs match, but Ravichandran Ashwin’s match-winning performance with the ball sealed the title.

India bowled first, five hours behind schedule, and produced a steady performance, only losing two wickets for 50 runs. But up stepped Bopara, who reduced the champions to a measly 66-5.

Virat Kohli’s batting game was on top form, as he scored 43 runs off only 34 balls, including two sixes, and guided his Indian team to a total of 129-7; A respectable score, but not out of reach.

Although Bopara disposed of three key wickets, Tim Bresnan – who was the only new edition to the side – was slightly more ineffective, conceding 34 runs without a wicket.

England’s start was more action-packed, with Cook’s shot falling into the hands of Ashwin with only three runs on the board.

The nerves were starting to affect England’s play, as Indian captain, MS Dhoni, stumped both Ian Bell and Jonathan Trott. Enter Bopara and Eoin Morgan.

Their impressive 63-wicket stand left England in the driving seat, and showing that India would have to work to be crowned champions. Morgan’s score of 33 off 30 balls helped their run chase dramatically.

But these two key batters were bowled by Ishant Sharma and caught by Ashwin; this effectively ended England’s chances as the rest of the order crumbled under the pressure.

Four quick wickets for three runs demoralised the Three Lions, as the team fell from 110-5 to 113-8. The confidence they started with was now running on empty.

England needed 19 runs from the final over, and despite a brave performance from Stuart Broad, who scored a four, they finished five runs away from victory.

The Three Lions now need to dust themselves off and start again, knowing that they were 20 runs away from the trophy with six wickets in hand. Time to use that as a confidence builder.