Image: Unsplash; Pete Willis
From 1975-2015, we round up the greatest ICC Cricket World Cup matches in cricketing history.
Following England's victorious win at 2019 Cricket World Cup, we’ve pulled together a list our top 5 greatest cricket World Cup matches of all time. So read on, check it out and let us know if you agree.
South Africa v Australia – 1999 Semi-Final, Edgbaston, England
With the scores tied on 213, South Africa needed just one run off the last four balls of the match to secure their place in the final. However, a stint of disastrous sprinting between the wickets on the third to last ball left the two protea batsmen at the same end. Australia remained calm and ran them out at the opposing end. As a result, they went through to the final after finishing higher in the qualifying group. Australia went on to win the final, adding another World Cup trophy to their cabinet.
England v Ireland – 2011 Group Stage, Bengaluru, India
With England posting a very respectable 327, it seemed as though Ireland had no chance of reaching such a target, especially when they were reduced to 111/5. England gained a healthy score thanks to three half-centuries from Ian Bell (81), Kevin Pietersen (59) and Jonathan Trott (92).
In a twist of fate, some canny bowling from John Mooney with four wickets stunted England. Ireland’s Kevin O’Brien came to the rescue, smashing 113 off 63 balls which helped Ireland achieve an unimaginable and unforgettable last over 3 wicket victory against England.
New Zealand v South Africa – 2015 Semi-Final, Auckland, New Zealand
After impressive tournaments from both sides, South Africa met tournament co-hosts New Zealand in the first semi-final in 2015. Following a solid start, South Africa were the stronger side until torrential rain hit in the 38th over. An 82 for Faf du Plessis and 16 runs from Duckworth-Lewis meant that New Zealand needed 298 to win and make the final.
After a blistering start from their talisman Brendan McCullum, New Zealand set off with 59 off just 26 balls. Some tight bowling and gutsy fielding meant it came down to the last over. With two balls to go and five needed, Grant Elliott hit Dale Steyn for a monstrous six to send New Zealand into raptures.
Australia v West Indies – 1975 The Final, Lord’s, England
The first ever Cricket World Cup Final was played between Australia, who were led by Ian Chappell, and the West Indies, led by Clive Lloyd. In front of a heavily Caribbean crowd at Lord’s, Clive Lloyd played a captain’s innings scoring an 82-ball hundred to steer the ship for the West Indies.
Set 291, Australia stumbled in their chase reaching 233/9 only for the last wicket pair to put on 41 to make test the West Indian’s nerves. In the end, the West Indies came away with the win to become the first team to lift the Cricket World Cup.
India v Pakistan – 1996 Quarter-Final, Bangalore, India
There is no bigger spectacle in sports than the rivalry between India and Pakistan. So, it is no surprise that their first-ever meeting in a World Cup knockout match was one to remember. In front of a partisan crowd, India battled to set Pakistan a target of 287. Pakistan’s openers started well before both fell to the Indian seamers.
A fiery encounter between Prasad and Sohail grabbed the headlines as they taunted each other. However, Prasad earned the last laugh by removing Prasad’s off-stump. From here, Pakistan collapsed and India came out winners by 39 runs. The game will be remembered for many reasons, but none more so than the incredible atmosphere.
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