Introduction
The best 10 teams in the world are getting ready to compete for cricket’s biggest rewards, and a plethora of new legendary matchups are expected to follow. Here is a look back at the best 10 games from the Cricket World Cup.
10 greatest world cup matches with the analysis of headlines cricket are:
1975’s Australia vs. West Indies
The inaugural Cricket World Cup final had always been going to be remembered, but West Indies & Australia played one of the finest matches in tournament history.
The Lord’s stadium served as the stage, and the sweltering June temperature caused people to rush out onto the outfield for every goal scored.
And Clive Lloyd produced a model captain’s innings, leading his team to 50 for three into the lead with such a merciless century shared with Rohan Kanhai in a 149-run fourth-wicket partnership.
Despite a valiant run chase led by Ian Chappell’s 62, Australia was defeated by Viv Richards’ outstanding fielding, which included three consecutive run outs that will live in infamy.
South Africa vs the Australia, 1999
There were 9 runs with only one over remaining. The Cricket World Cup final seemed to be just one simple equation away for South Africa, but what really happened was a tragedy and a fine art of uncertainty that prevented them from reaching their first final.
After being restrained by Shaun Pollock’s 5 for 36, Australia managed to reach 213, & Jonty Rhodes & Jacques Kallis combined to leave their nation needing one run to win with one wicket remaining.
Allan Donald didn’t hear Lance Klusener’s request for a fast single when he bunted to mid-off, Adam Gilchrist snapped off from the bails, and the Australians wheeled away.
England v Ireland, 2011
No one player’s name has ever been as closely associated with a game in the illustrious history of a Cricket World Cup as Kevin O’Brien is with this specific drama.
Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, & Jonathan Trott led England to 327 for 8 from their 50 overs in the first half of the game, a total no team had ever successfully pursued.
O’Brien, who had gone nine World Cup matches without scoring a half-century, rose to bat and crushed 13 fours & six sixes to defy the most extreme odds.
By its immense significance to the history of Irish cricket, it was the fastest century in Cricket World Cup history and also an innings that might never be topped.
South Africa vs. New Zealand, 2015
Where else than Eden Park could New Zealand have had its World Cup day, a semi-final that lasted over 100 overs and saw the hosts triumph? With Faf du Plessis & AB De Villiers carrying his team to 281 from 43 overs, South Africa—again seeking their maiden participation in a showpiece—had their foot firmly in the throat of the host team for the whole of the match.
Brendon McCullum’s bat, along with the whole might of a country, met the Proteas in the run-chase as the skipper smashed 56 at a cool strike rate of 226.
To equal the strain of requiring five runs from two balls, Grant Elliott had to play the innings of his life. He did this by lifting Dale Steyn for 6 over mid-on, which sparked wild celebrations.
England vs. India, 2011
The match between the host nation India vs England in 2011 is proof enough that a game doesn’t always need to have a winner to be a timeless classic. The pressure on India ahead of a World Cup campaign on home soil is unmatched in cricket, and the team’s opening-night victory over Bangladesh eased tensions.
In addition, Bangalore was treated by Sachin Tendulkar at his most spectacular, stroking his way to 120 and establishing a towering 339.
Although he isn’t a batsman whose style is reminiscent of short-form fireworks, Andrew Strauss set the bar high by scoring 158, with Graham Swann & Ajmal Shahzad guiding their team to a thrilling stalemate.
1983’s India vs. Zimbabwe
India dropped at 17 for 5 in a top-order totter to tie all others, and it appeared their opening-game triumph over the defending champion West Indies might be for nothing.
But captain Kapil Dev managed to hit 175 off 138 balls, taking his team to 266 and giving Zimbabwe a tough run chase.
Nothing cheers cricket fans’ emotions like such a dramatic recovery from batting oblivion, but a side gliding to win has a certain glorious charm. India lost their opening-game victory over the reigning champion West Indies when they were reduced to 17 for five in a top-order total, tying all the other teams.
However, skipper Kapil Dev was able to smash 175 off 138 balls, helping his side reach 266 and making it difficult for Zimbabwe to get runs.
Australia v India, 1987
For the very first time since the tournament’s establishment, the Cricket World Cup would not be held in the familiar English countryside, therefore India was required to win the opening match with such a sensational performance. However, none of the hundreds who crowded into the Madras stadium could have predicted how similar the two countries would end up being. Geoff Marsh’s 110 and Australia’s dominant performance at the plate forced India to chase 270 off just 50 overs, quieting the home fans.
West Indies vs. Australia, 1996
West Indies were defeated by Australia there at the semi-final stage for the 1st time ever in this game, marking the end of one cricketing dynasty as well as the beginning of another.
When Australia fell to 15 for four, Richie Richardson, who was retiring from one-day cricket after the competition, would’ve been rubbing his hands together.
2003’s India vs. Pakistan
Big rivals those in attendance in Centurion witnessed three one-day cricket phenomenon at the height of their powers as India and Pakistan put on a fantastic match.
Saeed Anwar was the first, recording 273 for 7 from 50 overs while flicking and pushing his way to a hundred to maintain his team alive in the game.
Tendulkar led his team to victory with one of his finest one-day innings, yet again playing at the top of his game.
1983’s India vs. Windies
A low-scoring thriller is unbeatable, and one of the all-time greats of the type debuted on cricket’s grandest stage, in the Cricket World Cup final, 36 years ago.
With swing, seam, and pace, the renowned West Indies bowling assault smothered India. Andy Roberts took three for 32 from 10 overs, & Malcolm Marshall & Michael Holding each claimed two victims.
The job of defeating 184 appeared simple, but Viv Richards’ team struggled and failed to live up to the label of favorites which had helped them win the past 2 tournaments.
In front of 30,000 spectators at Lord’s, the great cricketing force of the age was brought to its knees by Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath.
Conclusion
All three types of thrilling games—low-scoring thrillers, suspenseful draws, and thrilling comebacks—have occurred in the 10 Cricket World Cup tournaments. Cricket fans have been at the edge of their seats.
