Cricket is a sport that provides excitement and thrill to fans, and nothing matches the drama of a last-ball finish. The outcome of a match can change in a fraction of a second, and the excitement of a tight finish is what makes cricket one of the most popular sports in the world. In this article, we will delve into the top 10 most dramatic last ball finishes in cricket history and relive the moments that have become iconic in the sport.
1. 1999 World Cup Semi-Final
The match is considered one of the greatest matches in cricket history. South Africa needed nine runs to win off the last over, and Lance Klusener hit two boundaries to bring them close to the victory. However, in the last ball, Allan Donald was run out, and the match was tied. Australia advanced to the final due to their superior run rate.
2. 2016 T20 World Cup
In a virtual quarter-final match, Bangladesh needed two runs to win off the last ball. However, Mushfiqur Rahim was caught by Shikhar Dhawan off Hardik Pandya's delivery, and India won the match by one run. This match was a testament to the unpredictability of cricket and the importance of staying focused till the end.
3. 2019 Cricket World Cup Final
The final of the 2019 World Cup was one of the most dramatic matches in cricket history. In the last over of the Super Over, New Zealand needed two runs to win, but Martin Guptill was run out, and England won the match due to the boundary count rule. This match was an example of how a match can turn in a fraction of a second, and how important every run can be in a tight finish.
4. 2014 Asia Cup Final
Pakistan needed nine runs off the last over to win the match. With two runs needed off the last ball, Shahid Afridi was run out, and Sri Lanka won the match by two runs. This match showed the importance of staying calm under pressure and executing the basics of the game to achieve victory.
5. 2017 Indian Premier League
In the final of the 2017 IPL, Mumbai Indians needed four runs to win off the last ball. Kieron Pollard hit a six, and Mumbai Indians won the match by one run. This match was a testament to the importance of staying focused and executing the right shots under pressure.
6. 2012 World T20
In the final of the 2012 World T20, Sri Lanka needed 19 runs off the last over to win. Marlon Samuels bowled the last over, and Sri Lanka could only manage 13 runs, and West Indies won the match by 36 runs. This match was an example of how important it is to have a good bowling strategy in a tight match and how a good bowler can change the outcome of the game.
7. 2007 World T20
In a must-win match for India, Misbah-ul-Haq was the last hope for Pakistan. Needing six runs to win off the last over, Misbah hit a six and a four, but in the last ball, he tried to hit a scoop shot and was caught by Sreesanth, and India won the match by five runs. This match was a testament to the importance of staying calm under pressure and executing the right shots at the right time.
8. 2012 Commonwealth Bank Series
In the final of the Commonwealth Bank Series, Sri Lanka needed four runs to win off the last ball. Nuwan Kulasekara was on strike, and he hit a six off the last ball to win the match for Sri Lanka. This match was an example of how a single player can change the outcome of the game and how important it is to have faith in oneself.
9. 2019 Indian Premier League
In a match where Royal Challengers Bangalore needed seven runs to win off the last ball, Lasith Malinga dismissed the batsman to secure a one-run win for Mumbai Indians. This match was a testament to the importance of staying calm under pressure and executing the right deliveries in a tight match.
10. 2015 World Cup
In a group match of the 2015 World Cup, New Zealand needed six runs to win off the last ball. Grant Elliott hit a six off the last ball to win the match for New Zealand. This match was a testament to the importance of staying focused and executing the right shots under pressure.
