Intro image: Pexels; rawpexel.com
From the most intense to most exciting cricket matches in history, we round up favourite Cricket World Cup finals and winners.
England 1983: Champions – India, Runners Up – West Indies
Despite a poor start, India triumphed over the West Indies by 43 runs, in what was one of the biggest upsets in a Cricket World Cup final. Initially, India’s batsmen struggled against bowling attacks from messrs Roberts, Marshall, Gardner and Holding.
India were bowled out for 183 by the West Indies, bringing India’s innings to an end. However, in a extraordinary turn of events, India exploited the pitch to leave the West Indies all out for just 140.
India & Pakistan 1987: Champions – Australia, Runners Up – England
With just 7 runs in it, Australia’s victory against England in Calcutta, 1987 was the closest-ever Cricket World Cup final on record. In an exciting and intense match, David Boon hit 75 for Australia. A strong performance from his teammates helped Australia reach their total of 253.
England opener, Tim Robinson, fell for a first ball duck but England steadied the ship and looked on course to chase down the target. England need 17 runs from the last over but couldn’t muster the runs. The title went to Australia for the first time in their history.
Australia & New Zealand 1992: Champions – Pakistan, Runners Up – England
After a troublesome start, where Pakistan lost both opening batsmen, it was up to Imran Khan and Javed Miandad to get the team back in the game. Khan ended on a hard fought 72 and Pakistan eventually reached 249, putting pressure on England’s batsmen.
England certainly felt the force of Pakistan, as they slumped to 69/4 due to some incredible bowling from Wasim Akram. Akram went on to dismiss Allan Lamb, effectively turning the tide in Pakistan’s favour. England battled hard however, Pakistan outplayed them and secured their one and only World Cup win.
Pakistan, India & Sri Lanka 1996: Champions – Sri Lanka, Runners Up – Australia
A second-wicket partnership of 101 between Australia’s Mark Taylor and Ricky Ponting wasn’t enough to avoid a slump from 137/1 to 170/5. The Sri Lanka spinners ripped through the Australian middle order. Australia never recovered and Sri Lanka easily reached their target of 245 with 7 wickets remaining. Star performer Aravinda de Silva cruised to 107 off 124 balls, leading Sri Lanka to their first-ever World Cup victory.
India, Sri Lanka & Bangladesh 2011: Champions - India, Runners Up – Sri Lanka
The 10th instalment of the 2011 Cricket World Cup saw India take on Sri Lanka in Mumbai. Sri Lanka batsman, Jayawardene scored 103 off just 88 balls as Sri Lanka achieved a total of 274 off their 50 overs. Meanwhile, India lost both Sehwag and Tendulkar in quick succession. However, a captain’s knock from MS Dhoni with 91, supported by Gambhir with 97, meant India were able to chase down the total. With 10 balls remaining, India won the World Cup on home soil.
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