The first round of voting has concluded, narrowing down the list to 16 unforgettable moments from previous World Cups. Eight match-ups have been drawn for you to vote and decide the ultimate winner.
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Iconic Moments from the Cricket World Cup
MS Dhoni’s Final Six (2011) vs Kevin O’Brien’s Heroic Effort (2011)
MS Dhoni’s Final Six
India’s second World Cup victory was sealed with a colossal six from their captain, MS Dhoni, in the 49th over. This triumphant shot marked the end of a successful home campaign, immortalized by Ravi Shastri’s commentary, “Dhoni finishes off in style. A magnificent strike into the crowd!”
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Kevin O’Brien’s Heroic Effort
England’s promising World Cup start was disrupted by a one-man show in Bengaluru. Kevin O’Brien’s 63-ball blitz, yielding 113 runs, ensured Ireland’s surprise victory over their rivals in the final over of the game.
Ponting’s Powerhouse Performance (2003) vs MS Dhoni’s Run Out (2019)
Ponting’s Powerhouse Performance
Despite Harbhajan Singh’s strikes temporarily slowing Australia’s momentum, Ricky Ponting’s explosive 140* led his team to the highest ever total in a World Cup final, securing a resounding victory.
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MS Dhoni’s Run Out
MS Dhoni’s valiant effort in the 2019 semi-final was cut short by a brilliant direct hit from Martin Guptill. This marked the end of India’s World Cup hopes and Dhoni’s final international innings following his 2020 retirement.
Ben Stokes’ Spectacular Catch (2019) vs Malinga’s Four-in-Four (2007)
Ben Stokes’ Spectacular Catch
Despite England’s lead in their World Cup opener against South Africa, Ben Stokes stole the show with an incredible mid-air catch, prompting Nasser Hussain to exclaim, “No way! No, no, no way! You cannot do that, Ben Stokes!”
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Malinga’s Four-in-Four
With South Africa just four runs away from victory, Lasith Malinga turned the game around by taking four wickets in four balls. Despite South Africa’s narrow win, Malinga’s performance left an indelible mark on the tournament.
India v England Tie (2011) vs Yuvraj’s Match-Winning Performance (2011)
India v England Tie
A thrilling century from Sachin Tendulkar was nearly overshadowed by Andrew Strauss’s 158, which brought England close to a landmark win. However, MS Dhoni’s strategic leadership ensured a tie between these evenly matched teams.
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Yuvraj’s Match-Winning Performance
Yuvraj Singh was the star of India’s victory over Australia. After taking 2/44, he scored an efficient 57* from 65 deliveries, helping India overcome a precarious situation and knock out the World Champions.
Klusener-Donald Run-Out Drama (1999) vs Ireland’s Upset Over Pakistan (2007)
Klusener-Donald Run-Out Drama
In a nail-biting thriller, South Africa needed nine runs in the final over with one wicket remaining. A miscommunication between Lance Klusener and Allan Donald resulted in a run-out, allowing Australia to advance due to their higher Super Six stage finish.
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Ireland’s Upset Over Pakistan
World Cup debutants Ireland shocked the cricket world by defeating Pakistan. Niall O’Brien’s brave 72 guided Ireland to an exceptional win, marking their arrival on the global cricketing stage.
Jonty Rhodes’ Run Out of Inzamam (1992) vs Gilchrist’s Sportsmanship (2003)
Jonty Rhodes’ Run Out of Inzamam
Chasing a revised target, Pakistan’s Inzamam-ul-Haq was run out by Jonty Rhodes in a spectacular display of fielding, changing the course of the match.
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Gilchrist’s Sportsmanship
In the semi-final against Sri Lanka, Australia’s Adam Gilchrist stunned the world by walking off the pitch after edging a ball to the keeper, without waiting for the umpire’s decision. This act of sportsmanship won praise from cricket fans worldwide.
Tendulkar’s Fearless Knock (2003) vs Kapil Dev’s Catch of Richards (1983)
Tendulkar’s Fearless Knock
In a highly anticipated match against Pakistan, Sachin Tendulkar’s fearless 98 from 75 balls helped India maintain their undefeated World Cup run against their rivals.
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Kapil Dev’s Catch of Richards
During the World Cup final, India’s Kapil Dev took a sensational catch to dismiss the dangerous Viv Richards, turning the tide of the match in India’s favor.
Kapil Dev’s Rescue Act (1983) vs Stokes’ Deflection (2019)
Kapil Dev’s Rescue Act
After a shaky start against Zimbabwe, India’s captain Kapil Dev scored an unbeaten 175, leading India to a 31-run victory.
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Stokes’ Deflection
In the 2019 World Cup final, a deflection off Ben Stokes’ bat in the last over of England’s innings resulted in a tie, forcing a Super Over which England won, securing their first World Cup title.