Cricket is one of the sports played worldwide, and has intense rivalries, but some maintain decency and respect. The following matches mentioned in this article captivate fans worldwide, showcasing sportsmanship. This article explores the top 10 decent cricket rivalries, where players show respect for each other on and off the field. Despite the competition, players leave a long lasting impression on fans by upholding the spirit of the game.
1. India Vs Pakistan
The India-Pakistan cricket rivalry is intense and widely watched. It has began from the historical conflicts and tensions between the two countries. Cricket matches between India and Pakistan have even helped ease military tensions in the past. The rivalry attracts global attention, making it one of the most significant sporting rivalries in the world. Players face immense pressure, and fans' reactions can sometimes be extreme.
2. Australia Vs New Zealand
Australia and New Zealand share a decent cricket rivalry known as the Trans-Tasman rivalry. The matches between the two teams are a classic example of competing neighbouring countries but characterized by mutual respect and sportsmanship. Players from both sides appreciate each other's skills and are friendly on and off the field. This rivalry has enthralled cricket fans over the years. The respect between Australia and New Zealand players is evident in their interactions and post-match gestures.
3. England Vs South Africa
England and South Africa have a friendly cricket rivalry, with both teams respecting and admiring each other. Their matches have been exciting and thrilling for fans to watch. Even though some people consider other rivalries like India-Pakistan as top-notch contests, the South Africa-England battle has its own special appeal. The teams’ performances promise more interesting cricket as the teams give their best.
4. India Vs Sri Lanka
The cricket rivalry between India and Sri Lanka started in 1979 and has seen many memorable matches. Though not as famous as the Ashes or India-Pakistan games, it has its own significance for the decent rivalry. Sri Lanka, despite being a smaller country, has achieved remarkable success. Some notable moments include Ajantha Mendis' exceptional performance and MS Dhoni's brilliant knocks. Both teams have faced each other in important games, like the 2011 World Cup Final and the 2014 ICC T20 World Cup Final. The rivalry continues with upcoming T20 matches, adding excitement to the cricket contest.
5. West Indies Vs Pakistan
The two exciting cricket matches between West Indies and Pakistan brought them to the category of the cricket rivalries. In the 1980s, both teams had talented players like Imran Khan and Javed Miandad for Pakistan, and West Indies were very strong. Pakistan surprised everyone by winning the first test, but West Indies fought back and won the series-deciding match. In 1993, West Indies won again, with Pakistan struggling in both tests. These matches showed the teams' abilities and how they were changing over time.
6. Bangladesh Vs Afghanistan
The rivalry between Bangladesh and Afghanistan in cricket has led to some exciting and memorable matches. Afghanistan, has become a strong opponent, particularly in T20 cricket, winning six out of nine matches against Bangladesh. This has made the rivalry more competitive and has had a positive impact on cricket worldwide. Both teams' performances have been remarkable, and the future of this rivalry looks promising with more matches to come.
7. Ireland Vs. Scotland
Ireland and Scotland cricket rivalry is competitive and exciting. They first played against each other in 2006 and have since met in various ICC competitions and bilateral series. Both countries are making strides in the cricketing world as Associate Members of the ICC. The matches between them are important for their global cricket standing and have also helped promote cricket in Europe.
8. Pakistan Vs Sri Lanka
The cricket rivalry between Pakistan and Sri Lanka has seen exciting matches over the years. The teams have played well against each other, but this rivalry is not as famous as others. One reason is that both countries have friendly relations. The players also behave well on the field, so there is no drama or aggression to attract media attention. This makes the rivalry underrated, but it's still a genuine and competitive contest. Both Pakistan and Sri Lanka have a good cricket history, and their matches have resulted in important wins for each team.
9. Australia Vs South Africa
The intense cricket rivalry between Australia and South Africa began during their T20 and ODI series. Australia has done well in T20 matches, while South Africa has been strong in ODIs. Some off-field incidents added to the intensity of the rivalry. During a series match in 2018, Australia won by 118 runs against South Africa in the first match of their series, but there was an off-field exchange between players under investigation. Spinner Nathan Lyon faced a charge for dropping a ball on AB de Villiers after he was run out. Overall, it's an exciting and highly anticipated series.
10. India Vs Bangladesh
The India-Bangladesh rivalry is still new and not as big as some other rivalries. However, few matches have had some heated moments, with fans and players getting involved. Some key moments in this rivalry include Bangladesh's confident Test debut against India in 2000, their victory in the 2007 World Cup that pricked India's ego, and the controversy over umpiring in the 2015 World Cup quarterfinal. As Bangladesh becomes stronger in cricket, the rivalry is getting more interesting and important for both teams.
