The ICC World cup 2023 is just around the corner. As that happens, we look through some of the most thrilling world cup matches between some of the top teams in the world. There is no doubt about the fact that the ICC Cricket World Cup has witnessed several thrilling matches over the years. While it is subjective to determine the “top” matches, here are 10 memorable matches from previous ODI World Cups.
Top 10 matches in the history of the ICC World cup !
Australia vs South Africa, 1999 Semi-Final
Known as the “Lance Klusener’s heartbreak” match, it ended in a tie, but Australia advanced to the final due to a superior net run rate. While everyone predicted the aussies as the winner up until the middle overs, it was Klusener who took the game till the end.
Right when he seems like taking it away from the clutches of the aussies, an unfortunate run out cost them the world cup final spot.
Australia vs West Indies, 1975 Final
The first-ever World Cup final, West Indies emerged victorious by 17 runs, thanks to an impressive century by Clive Lloyd. While this was the first every ODI world cup, it did bring some thrilling clashes between the topmost teams of the world.
India vs Pakistan, 2011 Semi-Final
The high-intensity clash between arch-rivals India and Pakistan ended in a 29-run victory for India, securing their place in the final. Although India has never lost to Pakistan in the ODI world cup history, they seem like on the losing side in this match.
Still, the Indian bowlers held their nerves and given some impeccable death over bowling, they secured a 29 runs victory over their arch rivals.
Australia vs South Africa, 2007 Semi-Final
An intense match ended in Australia’s favor after a thrilling run-out in the final over, securing a one-run victory. Just like the 1999 semi final clash between these two teams, even this match brought out some big hopes for the proteas. Still, just like ever, their bad luck proved to be a game changer.
New Zealand vs England, 2019 Final
This can said to be one of the all time best matches in the world cup history. While the match hung in balance for most of the innings, it was the host that took the trophy home in an impeccable manner. The final of the 2019 World Cup saw England and New Zealand tied in both the regulation match and super over. Still, it was England who were crowned champions on boundary countback.
India vs Sri Lanka, 2011 Final
India won the World Cup on home soil after a historic batting performance by Gautam Gambhir and a match-winning century by captain MS Dhoni. And yes, this would always be remembered as the first world cup win by a host team.
Australia vs South Africa, 2003 Pool Stage
Australia vs South Africa has proved to be one of the most edge of the seat thriller matches. Just like that, in a high-scoring encounter, Australia chased down a target of 272 with only two balls remaining, securing a thrilling win.
New Zealand vs South Africa, 2015 Semi-Final
South Africa has been deemed as ‘Chokers’ of the world cricket and this match once again proved why. While dominating the match for the most part, the Proteas let Kiwis took advantage at the end. Grant Elliott’s heroic six in the penultimate over guided New Zealand to a four-wicket victory in a nail-biting encounter.
India vs West Indies, 1983 Final
Considered one of the biggest upsets in cricket history, India lifted their first World Cup, defeating the dominant West Indies by 43 runs. The match was deemed as a ‘ David vs Golaith’ clash as India were taken as minnows during that time. The West Indies team, one the other side, entered the competition as the defending champions. So, this victory by the Indian team came as unbelievable in every aspect.
Pakistan vs England, 1992 Final
Pakistan’s triumph in the 1992 World Cup final is memorable, with captain Imran Khan leading his team to a 22-run victory. Moreover, this comes as the only title victory for the Pakistani team in the world cup history.
Bottomline
These were few of the most thrilling matches in the ODI world cup history. While the 2023 ICC world cup is about to take place in India, we can surely expect some more thrilling clashes in the coming times.
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