Rivalry in sports makes it much more interesting to watch, like the famous El Clasico or the Nadal vs. Federer vs. Djokovic or the Ashes or India vs. Pakistan. This kind of rivalry keeps up the motive of the competition in the sports, which engages more viewers to watch. Competing at the highest level is extremely hard, and to do it for years shows the true spirit of the team, and that is what we got for you - top 10 Legendary Rivalries in Cricket and the Stories behind them.
1. Yorkshire Vs. Lancashire
Yorkshire Vs. Lancashire is a rivalry that started way back; the first match they played against each other was in the year 1867, when Yorkshire won the game with five wickets. This is the most anticipated match in country cricket. This rivalry is also called the “Wars of Roses,” the same rivalry could be seen in football where the team Leeds United plays against Manchester United, the teams hailing from Yorkshire and Lancashire. Yorkshire is the most successful team in County Cricket.
2. New South Wales Vs. Victoria
New South Wales Vs. Victoria is a rivalry which is against two of the most significant Australian state, which has produced the best cricketers for Australia; this rivalry States back to the time when the Australian board was newly formed, and it has been fierce till every day. They play against each other in Sheffield shield, Marsh One-Day Cup, and in BBL, the teams from Sydney and Melbourne play against each other.
3. Western Province Vs. Eastern Province
Western Province Vs. Eastern Province is the fiercest rivalry in South Africa due to its importance for the players playing in it. This rivalry is entirely different from each other in every way; which makes this matchup much more enjoyable. Western Province is the most successful team in South Africa, as they have won the Curie Cup 18 times in Rugby.
4. Canterbury Vs. Auckland
Canterbury Vs. Auckland is the rivalry between two major cities in New Zealand, Auckland City and Christchurch. Both cities have contributed many cricketers to the New Zealand team. Both the cities are different from each other; which makes this rivalry more interesting to watch and the players playing in it.
5. Karnataka Vs. Saurashtra
Karnataka Vs. Saurashtra is a rivalry that started in recent times when they played first against each other in 1999, and since then they have played against each other 11 times where, Saurashtra has domination over Karnataka, where they won 5 times against them. Karnataka is the second most successful team in the Ranji trophy, but the rise of Saurashtra is terrifying for the team as they have reached five times in last ten years and reached Vijay Hazare Finals twice in the last six years.
6. Middlesex Vs. Surrey
Middlesex v Surrey is the biggest rivalry in County Cricket. Both teams hail from London, with Middlesex playing their matches at Lords and Surrey playing their games at The Oval. This team shares the area, Greater London area, where both stadiums are established. Surrey has the upper hand against Middlesex, with them winning 127 times in 334 matches they have played. Surrey is also the most successful team in County Championship.
7. Delhi Vs. Mumbai
Delhi Vs. Mumbai is the biggest rivalry in the Indian domestic circuit; this can be seen through the people as both the people from the cities are different from each other and compare which city is better. Delhi is our Capital and Mumbai being our Financial Capital. This rivalry can also be seen in IPL, where Mumbai had come on top winning, 18 times in 33 matches. Mumbai has the won the Ranji Trophy 41 times, with Delhi winning it seven times in their history.
8. Melbourne Derby
Melbourne Derby is played in the Australian Big Bash League. Melbourne Derby is played against Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades. Renegades have won the BBL once in their history, and the Stars are still looking for their first win. Stars have won this derby 15 times in 24 matches. Renegades have won 3 wooden spoons, and Stars have won 2 wooden spoons in their history. (Wooden spoon is given to the team which finishes last in the table).
9. Sydney Derby
Sydney Derby is played in the Australia Big Bash League. Sydney Derby is played against the Sydney Sixers and Sydney Thunder. Sixers have won, the BBL 3 times the most after Perth Scorchers and Thunder won it once in 2015-16. Thunder has won this rivalry just seven times in 21 matches, and their first win against Sixers came in the 8th match they played. Thunder has the most wooden spoon in the BBL history, and Sixers got the wooden spoon once.
10. Mumbai Vs. Chennai
Mumbai vs Chennai is the most anticipated match in an IPL season; this battle gets the highest viewership of the season. A match between the most successful teams in IPL. It is also called the El Clasico of the IPL; they combine for ten titles in the 16 seasons of the IPL. They have met each 38 times, with Mumbai Indians coming on top with 21 wins and Chennai Super Kings winning 17 matches. This rivalry can also be seen in domestic cricket, Kabaddi, and football.
