ICC KnockOut Trophy 1998
1998 · 11 teams · ODI cricket
Tournament Overview
Series Overview
The 1998 ICC KnockOut Trophy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was the inaugural edition of what would later be rebranded as the Champions Trophy. South Africa, one of the most consistent Test and ODI teams of the late 1990s, claimed the title in brilliant fashion, defeating the West Indies by four wickets in the final at the Bangabandhu National Stadium. The West Indies posted 245 runs, a challenging but achievable target on the Dhaka surface. South Africa's batting rose to the occasion, with Jacques Kallis — already emerging as one of cricket's greatest all-rounders — providing the match-winning contribution that earned him the Player of the Tournament award. South Africa reached their target in 47 overs, losing six wickets but never truly in danger. The victory meant everything to South Africa: it was their first major ICC title since their readmission to international cricket in 1991, and it arrived at the expense of the then-formidable West Indies. The 1998 triumph stood as South Africa's only senior ICC men's title for 27 years — until their World Test Championship win at Lord's in June 2025. Dhaka's role as host demonstrated the ICC's early efforts to bring marquee events to subcontinental venues, and Bangladesh's enthusiastic crowds made the tournament a commercial and cultural success.
Key Highlights
- 1South Africa won the inaugural ICC KnockOut Trophy — their first ever senior ICC title
- 2Jacques Kallis was named Player of the Tournament for his match-winning all-round contributions
- 3West Indies scored 245 in the final; South Africa chased it down in 47 overs to win by 4 wickets
- 4The tournament was hosted in Bangladesh — one of the earliest major ICC events in Asian cricket
- 5It would be South Africa's only ICC title until their historic WTC win at Lord's in 2025