The World Cup has witnessed some of the most iconic matches of all time. From last-over finishes to epic comebacks, the World Cup has produced some of the greatest games. In this article, we will talk about the 'Top 10 Greatest Matches in the World Cup' that are still reverbed by fans all over the world.
1. India Vs. West Indies 1983 WC Final
India faced the Favourites West Indies in the Finals of the 1983 World Cup. India set a modest target of 184 runs with Kris Srikant top-scoring with 38 runs. In reply, Windies were cruising towards victory with the score reaching 57/2 and Viv Richards on 33 off just 28 balls, however, he was dismissed courtesy of a brilliant running catch of Kapil Dev. The Windies' batting line-up then gets demolished with Amarnath and Madan Lal picking 3 wickets each.
2. NZ Vs. England 2019 World Cup Final
NZ and England were looking to win the 1st World Cup title in the 2019 World Cup finals. Batting 1st, NZ made 241 runs courtesy of Nicholls 55 and Latham 47. However, in reply, England was 86/4, and then Buttler and Stokes weaved a partnership, with Buttler scoring 59 and Stokes scoring 84. The match tied on the last ball and went to super over, where New Zealand needed two off the last ball, and they could manage just one run. However, the score was tied, and England won the match on boundary count.
3. Australia Vs. New Zealand 2015 WC
The rivals faced each other in the 2015 WC league stage match which went down the wire. Batting 1st, Australia could only manage to score 151 runs, with Boult picking a 5-fer. In reply, NZ were once 78/1 courtesy of 50 off 24 balls from Brendon Mccullum. However, Starc and Pat Cummins then caused a collapse, with scores reaching 79/4. Williamson stitched a partnership with Anderson, however, after his wicket Kiwi collapsed with the score becoming 145/7, and then Starc took two wickets in quick succession scored reached 146/9. Williamson then hit six on the next over against Pat Cummins and sealed the match for the Kiwis.
4. England Vs. India 2011 WC
India and England locked horns against each other in the 2011 World Cup. India made 338 in the 1st innings, with Sachin scoring century. In reply, England was cruising towards victory with 58 required off 44 balls and 8 wickets in hands, but Zaheer Khan took wickets of well-set Bell and Strauss. 14 were required off the last over, which eventually became two off the last, and England managed to take only a single, and the match ended in a tie. It was one of the most classic games in the World Cup.
5. South Africa Vs. New Zealand 2015 WC
South Africa faced Kiwi in the semi-final of the 2015 World Cup. In a rain-curtained match, South Africa made 281 in 43 overs, with Plessis, de Villiers, and Miller contributing. In the chase, Mccullum played a brilliant knock scoring 59 off just 26 balls, and 11 were required off the last over with Steyn bowling the final over. Elliot scored a six on the 5th ball to seal the game for the Kiwis. Elliot was adjudged Man of the Match for his 84*.
6. Australia Vs. South Africa 1992 WC
Australia and South Africa faced each other in the 1992 World Cup semi-finals. Australia batted 1st and scored 213 runs, with Bevan top-scoring with 65 runs and Pollock picking a 5-fer for South Africa. Chasing 214, South Africa was 175/6 in 45 overs, with 39 requiring off 30 balls. With wickets falling on the other end, Klusener played an attacking knock and scored 23 off just 12 balls. In the last over, with the last wicket standing, Klusener hit a four, and the score tied, Aus qualified for finals as they finished above Africa in the Super Six table.
7. Ireland Vs. England 2011 WC
England and Ireland faced each other in a classic game in 2011 WC. England set a huge target of 327 for Ireland. In this case, Ireland was 111/5, and England's victory looked certain but then Kevin o Brain took English bowlers on remand and scored the then fastest century in the World Cup and caused a major upset in the world cup.
8. India Vs. Australia 1987 WC
India and Australia were against each other in the 1987 World Cup group stage game where Aus batted first and scored 270 runs as Geoff Marsh scored a fine knock of 110. In reply, India looked good with fifties from Srikanth and Sidhu. However, India then suffered a collapse and eventually needed two runs off the last balls but, Waugh bowled Maninder Singh on the penultimate ball resulting in a classical Aus victory.
9. New Zealand Vs. West Indies 2019 WC
In a group stage game between New Zealand and West Indies, New Zealand scored 291 batting first courtesy of a magnificent century from Kane Williamson. In reply, the Windies were 164/7, and the win was far away from sight but then Carlos Braithwaite decided to take on the Kiwi bowlers and scored a magnificent century. West Indies needed 6 of the last seven balls with just one wicket in hand and then Braithwaite decided to go for a big hit, however, he got caught at the boundary rope, and the Windies lost by 5 runs.
10. England Vs. Australia 1987 WC Final
The arch-rivals, England and Australia, were up against each other in the finals of the 1987 World Cup. Australia scored 253 runs, and David Boon scored 75. In reply, England was cruising towards victory, with scoring 170/3 at one stage. However, after the wicket of well-set Bill Athley's fall, England crumbled under pressure and could only manage to score 246 runs. It was one of the biggest turnaround at the biggest stage of the game.
