5 Most Memorable Cricket Matches In India
Cricket, often referred to as a religion in India, has witnessed countless unforgettable matches that have thrilled fans and etched themselves into the annals of sporting history. Among these, five matches stand out for their exhilarating moments, incredible performances, and lasting impact on the sport in India.
Some of the matches below were played at a time when people did not even have their own smartphones on which to install mobile applications such as fair play app. Fortunately, most of the population has one, which means you can now showcase your knowledge of cricket and earn a bit of cash with it.
India vs. Pakistan Austral-Asia Cup, Final (1986)
Few moments in cricket are as iconic as Javed Miandad’s last-ball six. Archrivals India and Pakistan have faced off in several classics, but none more memorable than this one. India’s controlled aggression clashed against Pakistan’s unpredictable approach. Players like Sunil Gavaskar and Wasim Akram showcased their skills, but the match boiled down to the last ball. With a boundary needed for victory, Miandad launched the ball into the stands. Pandemonium ensued as Pakistan celebrated an unforgettable win. This match remains etched in the minds of cricket enthusiasts.
Pakistan vs India, 16th Match, Group 2 at Melbourne, T20 WC, Oct 23 2022
The 16th Match of the T20 World Cup 2022 at Melbourne saw India face off against arch-rivals Pakistan, and it delivered an unforgettable spectacle. Batting first, Pakistan managed to post 159 runs, with Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed contributing 52 and 51 runs, respectively. However, it was India’s bowlers, particularly Arshdeep Singh (3-32) and Hardik Pandya (3-30), who kept the chase within reach.
Chasing 160, India found themselves in a precarious position at 45 for 4 after 10 overs. Enter Virat Kohli, who turned the tide with an astonishing unbeaten 82 runs. As the pressure mounted, India needed 48 runs from the final three overs. Kohli, however, was in the zone, displaying a masterclass of calm under pressure as he hit two sixes in the 19th over, bringing the equation down to 16 required off the last over.
In a nail-biting finish, India needed 2 runs off the final ball. Mohammad Nawaz bowled a wide, allowing R. Ashwin to calmly chip the winning run over mid-off, sparking wild celebrations. Kohli’s emotional reaction mirrored the jubilation of the 90,293 fans at the MCG, demonstrating once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest in T20 cricket. This match wasn’t just a victory; it was a testament to resilience, skill, and the sheer thrill of cricket.
India vs. Australia 2nd Test, Kolkata (2001)
Arguably the finest Test match in cricket history, this encounter showcased legendary performances. Australia seemed unbeatable, dominating the first half of the game. However, an epic 376-run partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman changed the course. After following on, India posted a colossal total of 657 runs. Harbhajan Singh’s devastating spin then dismantled the Australian lineup. This remarkable comeback ended Australia’s 16-match winning streak, making it a historic win for India. Each day brought new twists, capturing the essence of Test cricket.
India vs. Sri Lanka, 1st ODI, Rajkot (2009)
This match can rightfully be called a high-scoring thriller that captivated cricket fans. The match was the epitome of record scoring, leaving the crowd on the edge of their seats until the final ball. India set an imposing total of 414 for 7, with Virender Sehwag leading the charge with a phenomenal 146 runs off just 150 balls. His explosive batting, which included 14 fours and 3 sixes, established a solid foundation for India. But, as compelling as Sehwag’s innings was, it was Kumar Sangakkara’s blazing 90 off just 43 balls that stole the show for Sri Lanka. Despite falling short of victory, Sangakkara’s innings showcased his incredible batting prowess, especially during the batting powerplay, where he scored 50 runs in just 24 balls.
Sri Lanka, chasing a daunting target, responded with aggression, led by Tillakaratne Dilshan, who smashed 160 runs. However, the match’s turning point came with India’s bowlers showing resilience under pressure. Harbhajan Singh’s tight overs and Ashish Nehra’s decisive final over played crucial roles in narrowing Sri Lanka’s chances. Despite Zaheer Khan’s record for the most expensive bowling analysis in Indian ODI history, the rest of the bowling attack held firm.
As the match reached its climax, Sri Lanka needed 11 runs from the final over, but they couldn’t seal the deal. Nehra’s composure led to a narrow three-run victory for India, a match characterized by its high intensity and thrilling finish. This encounter remains etched in cricket history, not just for the records it shattered but for the exhilarating drama that unfolded from start to finish.
Bangladesh vs. India, Nidahas Trophy, Final (2018)
In the thrilling final of the Nidahas Trophy in 2018, India faced Bangladesh in a match that would go down in cricket history. With India needing 34 runs from the last 12 balls, Dinesh Karthik walked to the crease, and what transpired was a spectacular finish that left fans on the edge of their seats. Karthik, cool and composed, quickly turned the tide of the game, delivering a remarkable performance that would change the outcome.
Initially, Bangladesh had set a challenging target with their score of 166 for 8, anchored by a solid 77 from Sabbir Rahman. Their bowlers, especially Mustafizur Rahman and Rubel Hossain, had kept India in check, with Mustafizur delivering a brilliant over that had left Vijay Shankar reeling. However, as pressure mounted, Karthik capitalized on mistakes made by the Bangladeshi bowlers. He unleashed a stunning 29 runs off just eight balls, including a staggering 22 runs in one over from Rubel, who struggled to find his yorkers.
The climax came when India needed five runs off the last ball. Karthik faced Soumya Sarkar and drilled a wide half-volley over extra cover for a six, sealing an incredible victory that sent the Indian fans into a frenzy. His teammates rushed onto the field, celebrating this sensational turnaround. Meanwhile, Bangladesh, who had showcased their skills throughout the tournament, were left heartbroken, suffering yet another gut-wrenching defeat to India.
This match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with India finding extraordinary performers like Karthik among their second-string line-up. While India celebrated, the match also highlighted Bangladesh’s valiant efforts and their journey in overcoming past disappointments.
