There has always been good hype for the ICC Cricket World Cups, no matter the format. The ICC conducts world cups in basically three types: the ODI World Cup, the champion’s trophy, and the T20 World Cup. The newest addition is the fourth type of world cup, the World Test Championship. The international matches played during these tournaments always carry a good amount of excitement with them, especially the matches such as India vs. Pakistan or the semi-finals and finals of this world cup, which are always celebrated and enjoyed by people alike. Since the first world cup in 1975, there have been many interesting world cups played and breath-taking matches played between rival countries.
1. ODI World Cup 1983
This is perhaps regarded as one of the most interesting world cups, as it was this world cup that took the game of cricket into the households of other countries, especially in the likes of the Subcontinent. The mighty West Indies, who were favourites to win for a third consecutive time, were taken by surprise when the underdog’s considered team, India, won the World Cup for the first time under the leadership of Kapil Dev.
2. ODI World Cup 2019
This was the ODI World Cup, which gave us perhaps the most interesting world cup finals and knockout matches of all time. All the possible and unlikely twists and turns were observed during this World Cup. It was hosted by England, and the English team, in front of their home crowd, managed to win the world cup in the most controversial world cup final ever against New Zealand. Even the semis were as interesting as the India vs. New Zealand match, which took drastic twists and turns that no one ever expected. Even the mighty Australia suffered a defeat against the favourites and hosts, England.
3. ODI World Cup 2011
It was hosted by India, which also managed to win the World Cup after 28 years, making Team India the first host nation to win a World Cup. This world cup was full of surprises, as many unexpected turns happened during this world cup. Some of the most heart-breaking moments and out-of-the-box fixtures also took place during this world cup only, such as Ireland defeating England or the two consecutive defending champions Australia not even making it to the semis. On top of all that, the India-Pakistan semi-finals were just the cherry on top.
4. T20 World Cup 2007
This was the first and most unique style of the game ever to be played. Unlike the regular world cups, this one was different as it was played in the 20-over format. This short format was introduced as the longer formats were losing viewership. This new style of cricket came as a total saviour for the game. Hosted in South Africa, and after a heart-stopping India-Pakistan final match, India won the first-ever T20 World Cup in history, and to date, they’re only.
5. T20 World Cup 2016
This World Cup was hosted in India. It began with one of the most interesting low-scoring matches in a World Cup. This was the world cup for which each and every team was considered to be the favourite, as all were playing their best cricket. With the most unexpected defeats, such as the in-form West Indies, who would go on to win this world cup, getting a defeat at the hands of the first-timers, Afghanistan. Even the finals were no less dramatic, as they are considered to be one of the most dramatic finals to be ever played. Four consecutive sixes were conceded in the final over.
6. ODI World Cup 2003
This was the World Cup that showed Sachin Tendulkar in his prime. This World Cup also showed one of the most disappointing performances by the Indian team in the finals. With full expectations of viewing a thrilling match between India and Australia, the hopes were crushed due to a one-sided sweep done by the Australian team with the help of Ricky Pointing, who displayed a phenomenal performance. On the other hand, the Indian batting, which had faced each and every challenge so far in the tournament, was up against the Australian bowling attack. The latter won the battle, with Sachin Tendulkar departing very early in the innings itself.
7. Champions Trophy 2013
The most famous champion’s trophy edition is considered to be its 2013 outing. This was the tournament that garnered mass appeal from the audience, and the viewership went through the roof. It also helped that the Indian team was performing excellently in the tournament. The finals between the hosts England and India took place in a rain-affected match but with the odds against India. It was MS Dhoni’s brilliance at its best that took India to victory, defending a low score of just 120 in a matter of 20 overs.
8. ODI World Cup 1987
This was the first World Cup to be played outside of England. It was jointly held in India and Pakistan. It was also the first time Australia won a World Cup. This World Cup was renamed the Reliance Cup as Reliance was the principal sponsor for the event. India had won the last World Cup, and hopes for the Indian team were high. Ultimately, this world cup broke the myth and kicked off the cycle of hosting the world cup outside England.
9. ODI World Cup 1996
This was the World Cup, which was again hosted in India, but to everyone’s surprise, India was nowhere in the picture for the World Cup. It was all about the emerging nation of Sri Lanka, which had gone through a series of turmoil’s both politically and economically. It was Sri Lanka alone that defeated India, ending India’s World Cup campaign. In the finals, it was this underrated Sri Lankan team that defeated the mighty Australians.
10. T20 World Cup 2014
The World Cup was hosted by Bangladesh. This world cup is known as the "India World Cup," because in this world cup, India displayed a sheer amount of batting brilliance, especially Virat Kohli, who made runs in each and every game in the tournament. Even this world cup was full of surprises, as even after this much perfect batting brilliance, the Indian team collapsed in the finals except again for Virat Kohli, who made just above 130. Sri Lanka won the finals against India, which gave them their first T20 World Cup win.
