As ten ICC teams get ready to collide for an epic battle of supremacy in the elite One Day World Cup 2023, let’s take a moment to reflect on the unforgettable moments that have defined the history of the cricketing World Cup.
Whether it’s nostalgia lovers or full-time cricket buffs, the ODI World Cup has always entertained as much as it has inspired.
Then, there’ve been some absolute nail-biters.
From breathtaking catches to record-breaking batting and thrilling bowling performances, the ODI World Cup, over the years has provided us memories we simply can’t get enough of.
How about diving into some nostalgia right before the big opener at the Narendra Modi Stadium, in Ahmedabad?
India vs Australia, The Nail-biter At Gabba 1992
In a truly nail-biting moment, India found themselves in need of 13 runs off the final over with just three wickets remaining. Kiran More, displaying remarkable skill and composure, unleashed two shots behind square for four runs each off the first two balls bowled by Tom Moody. The tension continued to escalate as the third ball shattered his middle pole, leaving everyone stunned by the intensity of the match. One ball, four to get, srinath drilled deep and wide but waugh dropped the catch but threw the ball quickly to keeper Boon which dislodges the bail and India lost the match by 1 run.
Sohail, Prasad, And The Madness Of India Vs Pak, Bangalore ’96
The rivalry between India and Pakistan on the cricket field has always been intense, often reaching its peak when they face each other. A memorable example of this was the epic encounter at Bengaluru in 1996. In that match, Amir Sohail showcased his exceptional batting skills by hitting a couple of extraordinary boundaries off Speedster Venkatesh Prasad’s deliveries. Prasad delivered a magnificent ball that sent the batsman’s stump cartwheeling. The sheer brilliance of the delivery compelled the batsman to gracefully make his way back to the pavilion, as if in agreement with Prasad’s splendid skill.
Unfortunately, emotions ran high as Sohail responded with some offensive words towards the bowler. This incident exemplifies the passion and intensity that surrounds these matches, leaving a lasting impression on fans worldwide.
When Donald Couldn’t Get A Glance Of Lance’s Call For That Run: The ’99 Drama
This knockout clash must be recognized as one of the most nail-biting cliff-hangers ever witnessed in the illustrious history of the World Cup. Klusener exhibited remarkable skill and precision by hitting two back-to-back boundaries off Damien Fleming to tie of the score.
After no run in third ball of the over Zulu smashed the next one towards the ground, and scampered for a single but non striker Donald’s feet suddenly become heavy and unresponsive, leaving him stranded and unable to complete what could have been a historic winning run which would have propelled Proteas to their very first World Cup Final.
The Prince Of Trinidad’s Ostentatious Takedown Of South Africa: 2003
Brian Lara’s debut match in the tournament against the host team, South Africa, was a remarkable setting filled with anticipation. Joining the West Indies at a challenging 7 for 2, he came to the crease just in time to showcase his incredible skills. It could have been a different story though, as his first ball almost led to his dismissal when Ntini’s delivery narrowly evaded Kallis’ grasp at second slip.
Lara’s unwavering focus on the task at hand was truly commendable. Not even a run rate below 1.5 could distract him from achieving his goal. His innings of 116 showcased the exquisite beauty and skill that we have come to expect from his batting prowess, although it may have lacked his usual flamboyance. Brian’s extraordinary innings proved to be the decisive factor in securing victory for the West Indies, leaving the Proteas feeling disheartened.
Ireland Vs Pakistan, 2007: A Game For The Ages
Adding to the already shocking turn of events on the day of Team India’s unexpected loss to Bangladesh, Pakistan also experienced a similar setback as they were defeated by Ireland in a match characterized by low scoring.
In an early setback for Pakistan, Mohammad Hafeez and Younis Khan were dismissed in quick succession, leaving the team in a challenging position with a score of 15-2 after just 3.3 overs.
Imran Nazir and Mohammad Yousuf formed a powerful partnership that brought much-needed stability to the Pakistani team. Unfortunately, after Yousuf’s dismissal at 56, Pakistan’s momentum declined rapidly as they started losing wickets. This ultimately led to their total downfall with a final score of just 132.
Thanks to the outstanding skills of the O’Brien brothers, Ireland saw an opportunity to create an unexpected upset as Pakistan at that time didn’t have a formidable bowling line-up. They successfully chased the target in just 41.4 overs, causing yet another significant upset in the world of cricket.
Not Just Dhoni, But When India Gobbled SL In Style: The 2011 Finals!
In an exhilarating World Cup final at the Wankhede Stadium, India had a golden opportunity to make history by becoming the first team ever to clinch the prestigious title on home soil.
The atmosphere was electric as fans eagerly awaited a triumph that would forever be etched in the annals of cricketing glory.
Mahela Jayawardene’s remarkable century coupled with Thisara Perera’s explosive batting in the later stages of the game set up a daunting target of 275 for India to chase. Unfortunately, India’s hopes suffered an early blow as they lost both Sachin and Sehwag cheaply.
Kohli and Gambhir, who are rather strangely and absurdly not the best of friends today, managed to build a strong partnership, providing stability for the home team. However, concerns arose when Kohli was eventually dismissed. But the captain, Dhoni, had a brilliant plan up his sleeve – he decided to promote himself in the batting order ahead of Yuvi. This unexpected move surprised everyone and showcased Dhoni’s strategic thinking and determination to lead his team to victory.
MS Dhoni’s undeniable presence on the field was evident as he masterfully concluded the innings with a remarkable six off Kulasekara. The ball soared deep into the stands, igniting an explosion of euphoria among the ecstatic crowd and filling the entire nation with immense joy.
That Mega Australia vs New Zealand, 2015 World Cup Group Game
In a highly anticipated Pool A clash at Eden Park, the two co-hosts faced off before the final. This match-up had fans on the edge of their seats, and true to expectations, it turned out to be an absolute nail-biter. In a thrilling finish, New Zealand emerged victorious by just one wicket.
Michael Clarke, made an optimistic decision to bat first after winning the toss. However, their plans took an unfortunate turn when the formidable New Zealand new ball duo, Tim Southee and Trent Boult, unleashed their skills on the Australian batsmen to bowl them out for a paltry 151.
McCullum showcased his exceptional skills by swiftly accumulating 54 runs off just 24 balls. Following his remarkable performance, Mitchell Starc brilliantly dismantled the Kiwi middle and lower order, taking an impressive six wickets. This outstanding display by the four-time world champions has certainly increased their chances of triumphing over their neighboring rivals.
Amidst all the excitement and anticipation, Kane Williamson ended the match on a high note by smashing a remarkable six over long-on, leaving Pat Cummins and the spectators in awe. It was a sensational display of skill and determination that sealed the victory in truly breathtaking fashion.
When New Zealand Nearly Remembered The Name Called Carlos Brathwaite: 2019
A thrilling encounter unfolded in Manchester as New Zealand went head-to-head with West Indies. In a high-stakes match, the Kiwis took the lead by posting an impressive total of 291/8 in their allotted 50 overs. Leading from the front, Kane Williamson displayed his batting prowess by scoring a magnificent 148 runs, supported by Ross Taylor who added a valuable contribution of 69 runs to the scoreboard.
In a thrilling cricket match, both Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer played exhilarating innings. However, it was Carlos Brathwaite who truly stole the show with his remarkable performance. His maiden ODI century, consisting of 101 runs in just 82 deliveries, showcased his immense talent and determination.
With an impressive tally of 5 sixes and 9 fours, Brathwaite single-handedly kept West Indies in the game till the very end. Despite their valiant efforts, West Indies were unfortunately unable to secure victory as they fell agonizingly short by a mere five runs; accumulating a total score of 286 runs.
Witnessing the heartbreaking aftermath of the match, Brathwaite was clearly devastated and found solace in his despair by kneeling in disappointment.
However, amidst this emotional moment, New Zealand players displayed true sportsmanship as they approached Brathwaite with genuine empathy and praise for his outstanding performance. Their kind gestures served as a comforting reminder of the unwavering camaraderie that exists within the cricketing community.