England Cricket Team vs West Indies Cricket Team Match Scorecard

The 2004 ICC Champions Trophy final was a classic showdown between the England Cricket Team and the West Indies Cricket Team. Played at The Oval in London on 25th September 2004, this match went down in history as one of the most dramatic finals in limited-overs cricket. With both teams eyeing the trophy, the stage was set for a fiercely contested battle that eventually became an unforgettable encounter.

England, led by Michael Vaughan, won the toss and elected to bat first on a good surface. The decision seemed strategic, aiming to put scoreboard pressure on the chasing side. However, West Indies’ opening bowlers Ian Bradshaw and Wavell Hinds bowled a disciplined line, restricting early runs and making vital breakthroughs. The English top order, including Andrew Strauss and Vaughan himself, struggled to get going against the new ball.

Despite the early setbacks, Marcus Trescothick anchored the England innings with a brilliant century under pressure. He batted with calmness and class, taking calculated risks and finding gaps regularly. Trescothick’s 104 off 124 balls was the highlight of the innings and provided England with the only significant resistance. While wickets kept falling at the other end, his presence ensured England managed to post a somewhat competitive total.

England was eventually bowled out for 217 in 49.4 overs. Besides Trescothick, no other batsman could reach even fifty, reflecting the effectiveness of the West Indies’ bowling attack. Ian Bradshaw stood out with figures of 2 for 54 and was supported well by Wavell Hinds and Chris Gayle, who applied pressure in the middle overs.

In reply, the West Indies chase began on shaky ground. England’s pace battery, featuring Steve Harmison, Darren Gough, and Andrew Flintoff, struck early blows. The dangerous Chris Gayle was dismissed cheaply, followed by key wickets of Ramnaresh Sarwan and Brian Lara, putting West Indies on the back foot at 80 for 6. England seemed in full control, and the home crowd roared with confidence, sensing a historic win.

But cricket is a game of glorious uncertainties. What unfolded next was a dramatic turnaround that stunned everyone. Ian Bradshaw, the bowling hero from the first innings, walked in to join wicketkeeper-batsman Courtney Browne with the score at 147 for 8. They had more than 70 runs to chase and very little batting to follow. But the duo refused to give in. Instead, they built one of the most remarkable partnerships in the history of ICC finals.

With intelligent rotation of strike, occasional boundaries, and admirable calmness, Bradshaw and Browne slowly brought the required runs down. Their understanding between the wickets was excellent, and they remained unbothered by the pressure or the growing tension in the English camp. Every run was cheered by the West Indies supporters, and the partnership blossomed into something truly special.

In the 49th over, Bradshaw struck the winning runs, taking West Indies to a stunning 218 for 8 with seven balls to spare. He remained unbeaten on 34, while Browne contributed a crucial 35 not out. Their unbroken 71-run stand for the ninth wicket was a match-winning effort and a reminder of cricket’s unpredictable nature. West Indies had won their first major ICC trophy since the 1979 World Cup.

Ian Bradshaw was rightfully awarded the Player of the Match for his all-round brilliance. Not only did he bowl superbly with the new ball, but he also displayed nerves of steel during the tense run chase. His performance was central to the West Indies victory and made him an instant hero across the Caribbean.

For England, the loss was heartbreaking. They had dominated large portions of the match but failed to finish the job. The defeat was a bitter pill to swallow, especially in front of their home crowd. Despite the outstanding efforts from Trescothick and the pace attack, the match slipped from their grasp in the final overs.

The 2004 ICC Champions Trophy final is remembered not just for its result, but for the drama, courage, and character it showcased. It taught cricket fans that the game is never over until the last ball is bowled. The West Indies team celebrated this win with great pride, as it marked a revival of their cricketing spirit after years of struggle.

This match is now considered one of the finest finals in limited-overs history. It had everything—early wickets, a heroic century, a dramatic collapse, and an underdog comeback that captured the hearts of millions. The England vs West Indies final of 2004 will forever be etched in the memory of cricket fans around the world.