5 Most thrilling ODI World Cup matches of all time

Cricket, often referred to as a gentleman’s game, has produced some of the most thrilling moments in sports history, especially during the One Day International (ODI) World Cup. The competition, held every four years, showcases the best teams from around the globe, each vying for glory and the coveted title. Over the years, fans have witnessed breathtaking contests that have left lasting impressions. Here, we delve into five of the most thrilling ODI World Cup matches of all time:

India vs West Indies, 1983:

In what is regarded as one of the most remarkable upsets in cricket history, the underdog Indian team defeated the mighty West Indies in the final of the 1983 World Cup. The Caribbean side was known for their dominance in the limited-overs format, having won the previous two World Cups. However, India, led by Kapil Dev, put up a gritty performance to set a target of 183 runs.

The match took a thrilling turn when the West Indies lower order led a comeback charge. In the end, Mohinder Amarnath’s crucial spell and Kapil Dev’s iconic running catch saw India secure a 43-run victory, claiming their first-ever World Cup.

Australia vs South Africa, 1999:

The semi-final clash between Australia and South Africa during the 1999 World Cup was nothing short of a rollercoaster ride. Chasing 213, South Africa seemed to have the match in the bag until a dramatic run-out in the final over left them needing one run to win off four balls. The tension reached its peak, and ultimately, the match ended in a tie, with both teams scoring 213 runs. As a result, Australia advanced to the final based on their superior net run rate in the Super Six stage.

England vs Ireland, 2011:

The 2011 World Cup saw an exhilarating encounter between England and Ireland during the group stage. Ireland, chasing a daunting target of 328, looked down and out at 111-5. However, Kevin O’Brien produced one of the greatest World Cup innings, smashing a blistering 113 runs off just 63 balls. His heroics helped Ireland pull off a stunning upset with only five balls remaining, registering their highest successful run-chase in ODI cricket.

New Zealand vs England, 2019 Final:

The 2019 World Cup final was an absolute nail-biter that ended in a tie, sending the match into a super over. England set New Zealand a modest target of 242 runs to win. The Kiwis fought valiantly, and an extraordinary turn of events in the last over resulted in the match being tied once again.

The super over also ended in a tie, but England claimed the trophy on boundary countback rules, leaving cricket fans around the world in awe of the drama and intensity of the game.

India vs Zimbabwe, 1983 Group Stage:

Another memorable match from the 1983 World Cup, this group-stage encounter between India and Zimbabwe provided high-octane excitement. India was struggling at 17-5 while chasing 175, with the Zimbabwean bowlers wreaking havoc.

However, a remarkable partnership between Kapil Dev and Syed Kirmani resurrected India’s innings, guiding them to an improbable victory. The duo stitched together an unbeaten 126-run partnership, with Kapil Dev scoring a valiant 175 not out, a knock that remains etched in cricket folklore.