Cricket World Cup Best Matches in History

Certain matches transcend the boundaries of just sport, turning into moments of history that are celebrated, debated, and cherished for years to come. Which one is recognized as the best cricket World Cup best match of all time?

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World Cup Best Matches of All the Time: The Iconic Battle of the Legend

The Cricket World Cup, blending intense emotions, dramatic moments, and pure skill, has been the backdrop for numerous legendary clashes.

Starting with the West Indies’ supremacy in the 1970s to the pulse-pounding matches of recent years, join us as we explore the World Cup best matches in the entire history.

1. Australia vs West Indies, 1975

The inaugural final at Lord’s was a defining showdown between West Indies and Australia. With the backdrop of a packed stadium, Clive Lloyd showcased what many consider to be among the cricket World Cup best matches.

Clive Lloyd delivered a powerful century, aided by Rohan Kanhai. Australia’s spirited chase, anchored by Ian Chappell’s 62, fell short by 17 runs due to Viv Richards’ outstanding fielding, notably executing three runouts.

Many fans and critics alike debate if this was the best World Cup ever, or even the best cricket match in history.

A last-gasp partnership between Jeff Thomson and Dennis Lillee kept Australian hopes alive until the penultimate over.

The game ended with a celebratory pitch invasion by West Indian fans. Both captains praised the thrilling match, acknowledging its significance in cementing the World Cup’s future.

2. India vs West Indies, 1983

In the 1983 Cricket World Cup best matches at Lord’s, the West Indies, champions of the prior two tournaments, boasted a formidable bowling lineup that restricted India to just 183.

This game is often touted as one of the World Cup best final. With legends like Andy Roberts, Malcolm Marshall, and Michael Holding leading the charge, the target seemed achievable.

However, India’s bowlers, notably Madan Lal and Mohinder Amarnath, thwarted the Caribbean giants. Kapil Dev’s iconic catch to oust the explosive Viv Richards turned the tide for India.

3. India vs Zimbabwe, 1983

In what is often touted as one of the World Cup best matches, India found themselves in a dire situation, teetering at 17 for five against Zimbabwe, creating doubts over their earlier triumph against the champions, West Indies.

However, Kapil Dev‘s masterclass, a formidable 175 off 138 balls, elevated India to a competitive 266, laying down a formidable challenge for the opposition.

This encounter at Tunbridge Wells, although not televised, is a contender for the best cricket match in memory for those who witnessed it.

Zimbabwe’s wicketkeeper, Dave Houghton, reflected on Kapil’s impeccable innings, emphasizing his flawless execution.

This iconic match is among the reasons many argue the 1983 tournament could be the best World Cup ever.

4. India vs Australia, 1987

In the World Cup best game outside England, Chennai was the backdrop for a nail-biter between India and Australia. Australia set a challenging target of 270, bolstered by Geoff Marsh’s 110.

Despite India’s spirited chase marked by significant partnerships, notably from Navjot Sidhu and Krishnamachari Srikkanth, they fell short by just one run.

The drama intensified with a controversy over a boundary hit by Australia’s Dean Jones, initially declared a four by fielder Ravi Shastri.

Upon Jones’ insistence, umpire Dickie Bird revisited the decision and changed it to a six, altering the score from 268 to 270, a change that proved pivotal in the game’s outcome.

5. Pakistan vs England, 1992

Pakistan clinched their maiden World Cup best title under the spirited guidance of Wasim Akram, who was fueled by Imran Khan’s motivational call to perform like “cornered tigers“.

With substantial contributions from Imran and Javed Miandad, Pakistan set a challenging target of 249-6 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

England, after initially faltering, seemed to find their rhythm until Wasim introduced two devastating inswinging yorkers, dismissing Allan Lamb and Chris Lewis. This crucial turn of events solidified England’s third World Cup final loss.

6. Sri Lanka vs Australia, 1996

In another final that is often cited as one of the best cricket match showdowns, Sri Lanka delivered a stunning victory over Australia at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, a mere 15 years after they achieved full ICC membership and Test status.

This encounter stands as one of the World Cup best. Aravinda de Silva stood out for Sri Lanka, first by securing three wickets from Australia’s score of 241-7, and then by crafting an impressive 107 not out, leading his team to triumph.

The honor of delivering the winning runs was bestowed upon the influential captain, Arjuna Ranatunga, who adeptly directed a ball from Glenn McGrath to the boundary, commencing the celebrations.

Upon their return to Sri Lanka the next day, batsman Hashan Tillakaratne recounted the jubilant atmosphere.

From the moment they landed, the celebratory mood was palpable, and their invitation to the president’s residence was just one of many highlights.

7. Australia vs West Indies, 1996

The match signified a pivotal shift between two cricketing powerhouses as Australia halted the West Indies in the best semi-finals in history, making it one of the cricket World Cup best matches.

Richie Richardson, in his one-day cricket finale, must have been hopeful when Australia was reeling at 15 for four. However, Stuart Law and Michael Bevan’s resilience pushed Australia to 207.

The World Cup best seemed within grasp for the West Indies when Shivnarine Chanderpaul pushed the score to 165 for two.

Yet, an unexpected batting collapse saw them lose seven wickets for just 29 runs, propelling Australia to a significant final after nearly a decade.

8. Australia vs South Africa, 1999

In one of the cricket World Cup best matches, South Africa was tantalizingly close to making their debut in a World Cup final, needing just nine runs from the closing over against Australia.

Despite Australia setting a modest 213, thanks in part to Shaun Pollock’s commendable 5 for 36, the game’s conclusion was nothing short of theatrical.

Lance Klusener, one of the tournament’s star performers, seemed set to guarantee the win by hitting the first two balls for fours.

But, in a twist that makes this semi-final a contender for the best World Cup ever, a mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald led to a dramatic run-out, masterminded by Damien Fleming and Adam Gilchrist.

Fleming’s recollection of that iconic moment captured the essence of why many consider it one of the World Cup best moments in history.

9. India vs Pakistan, 2003

In what ranks among the cricket World Cup best matches, arch-rivals India and Pakistan clashed in a thrilling encounter in Centurion. Spectators were treated to an exhibition by three one-day cricket maestros in their prime.

Firstly, Saeed Anwar displayed his batting prowess with a century, propelling Pakistan to set a competitive target of 273 for seven in 50 overs.

Sachin Tendulkar, another legend of the game, delivered one of his most memorable innings, ensuring an Indian victory.

However, the match’s standout moment for many was Shoaib Akhtar’s fiery bowling, especially the delivery that ousted Tendulkar, becoming a symbolic moment of pride for Pakistan.

10. England vs India, 2011

A match doesn’t always need a victor to be etched in memory, and the 2011 encounter between India and England is a testament to this, rightfully placing it among the cricket World Cup best matches.

The immense anticipation surrounding India, especially in a World Cup on their turf, was somewhat alleviated with their inaugural victory over Bangladesh.

In Bangalore, fans were enthralled by Sachin Tendulkar, the Little Master, as he delivered a captivating 120, setting a formidable target of 339.

Andrew Strauss, usually not known for explosive short-format batting, showcased an impressive 158.

Assisted by Graham Swann and Ajmal Shahzad, England achieved a score equalling India’s, leading to a thrilling tie that solidified its place among the cricket World Cup best matches.

11. England vs Ireland, 2011

In what many regard as the World Cup best match, Kevin O’Brien’s performance for Ireland stands as an unforgettable moment.

England, boosted by the efforts of Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, and Jonathan Trott, set a formidable total of 327.

This target appeared nearly insurmountable, especially given that no team had previously achieved such a monumental chase.

However, O’Brien, previously without a significant World Cup score, took center stage, delivering the fastest World Cup century.

This innings not only cemented its place in the annals of the best World Cup ever moments but also played a pivotal role in shaping Irish cricket’s legacy.

On that iconic day in Bangalore in 2011, O’Brien, donning pink-dyed hair, delivered a masterclass with a 50-ball hundred.

Coming in when Ireland was reeling at 111-5, he masterfully tackled England’s elite bowlers, ensuring Ireland surpassed their challenging target.

Reflecting on the match, O’Brien credited a blend of skill, fortuitous moments, and sheer timing that went in favor of him and the Irish team.

12. India vs Sri Lanka, 2011

India triumphed over Sri Lanka in what many consider the World Cup best match, securing the World Cup for their passionate fans at home, adding to how many world cup india won.

As the chase for Sri Lanka’s 274-6 seemed daunting, captain MS Dhoni took the initiative, moving himself up the batting order and expertly orchestrating the run-chase.

Though Gautam Gambhir contributed an admirable 97, it was Dhoni’s memorable six that became an iconic moment, as it soared into the stands, setting off jubilant celebrations at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium.

This victory, in one of the best World Cup ever tournaments, made Coach Gary Kirsten reflect on their journey, emphasizing the culmination of a three-year partnership with the talented Indian team.

13. New Zealand vs South Africa, 2015

In what many regard as a World Cup best match at Eden Park, New Zealand clinched a heart-stopping victory against South Africa during the semi-finals.

South Africa, powered by strong performances from Faf du Plessis and AB De Villiers, posted 281 in 43 overs. However, New Zealand responded with unmatched determination.

Brendon McCullum’s rapid 56 set the stage, but it was Grant Elliott’s exceptional innings that became the highlight of cricket World Cup best matches.

With the game hanging in the balance and needing five runs from the last two balls, Elliott hit Dale Steyn for a match-winning six, propelling New Zealand to their debut World Cup final.

14. India vs Afghanistan, 2019

Whenever India steps onto the cricket field, the world watches intently, and their encounter with Afghanistan was no exception.

This contest, marked as one of the cricket World Cup best matches, was a spectacle for fans. Both teams had crucial goals: India aimed to continue their winning streak, while Afghanistan was hungry for their inaugural victory.

Afghanistan showcased their spin mastery, but India responded with fierce pace and Yorkers, making the game incredibly competitive.

The tight finish saw India clinching a narrow 11-run victory, solidifying its place as a World Cup best match. Afghanistan’s spirited performance, especially Nabi’s 52 off 55 balls, was noteworthy.

However, the spotlight was on India’s Bumrah and Mohammed Shami, with Shami’s unforgettable hat-trick ensuring India’s triumph.

Remarkably, Shami, who only played due to Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s injury, became the second Indian to secure a World Cup hat-trick.

Additional performances by Hardik Pandya and Yuzvendra Chahal were crucial in stymying Afghanistan’s chase, even with strong efforts from Najibullah Zadran and Rashid Khan.

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ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Best Matches of All Time: The Upcoming World Cup 2023

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FAQ - All You Need to Know About World Cup Best Matches

Who won most World Cup in cricket history?

Australia has won the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup most times in ODI format. They have won the title 5 times (in 1987, 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2015).

Who is No 1 cricket team in the World Cup?

The No. 1 team in the Cricket World Cup would depend on which specific World Cup edition you are referring to. Rankings and team performance vary from one World Cup to another. Additionally, the International Cricket Council (ICC) has separate World Cups for different formats like the ODI World Cup and the T20 World Cup. Find out which World Cup best matches with 7Cric.

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