Undefeated India clinch Trophy as England commit hara-kiri

Tags: ICC Champions Trophy, 2013, Final - England Vs India at Birmingham - Jun 23 , 2013

Published on: Jun 23, 2013

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India clinched a magical win over hosts England against all odds to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. The World Champions held their nerve for a 5-run win in what was an extremely curtailed contest of 20 overs per side.

By BV Swagath

India clinched a magical win over hosts England against all odds to clinch the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. The World Champions held their nerve for a 5-run win in what was an extremely curtailed contest of 20 overs per side. England committed hara-kiri to gift the Trophy to India as the hosts failed to chase down a modest target of 130. India were all over England once its two spinners Ravindra Jadeja and R Ashwin were introduced into the attack on a track that turned absolutely square!

Update at 8:40 PM IST: All set for a 20-20 Contest with a mandatory powerplay of 4 overs and a batting powerplay of 2 overs. Match to begin at 8:50 PM.

Update at 8:07 PM IST: Sorry folks it has started to rain very heavy now at Birmingham and I suspect that should be the end of the match. The weather forecast is good for tomorrow but there is no reserve day for this tournament. The Trophy will be shared by England and India. WAITING FOR THE OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM THE OFFICIALS.

Update at 7:40 PM IST: A positive decision has been made by the Umpires with the match to kick off as a 24-over contest at 8:15 PM IST (3:45 PM local). Of course it depends on the rain factor. Remember it is India who have been asked to bat first after losing the toss.

Update at 7:00 PM: For the first time perhaps rain has stopped and the covers are being removed. But there is plenty of water on the outfield and the sky looks brighter now with the sun peeping out but still looking a touch overcast. There will be a Pitch Inspection at 7:30 PM IST (3:00 pm local).

Rain Update: Well the toss was over with England winning it and asking India to bat first. The anthems followed after that but during that the drizzle with strong winds is back and there are plenty of umbrellas going up in the crowd. The covers are back and play has been delayed.

Toss and Teams: Hosts England have won the toss and asked India to bat first under overcast conditions at Edgbaston in Birmingham in what is the Final of the ICC Champions Trophy 2013. England have made one change with Tim Bresnan coming in for Steven Finn while India stick with the same XI.

The pitch has some obvious cracks so it could take turn as the match progresses. The overhead conditions should aid swing while the moisture content in the pitch should help both the seamers and the spinners.

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