Cricket, often dubbed the game of glorious uncertainties, has provided fans with countless memorable moments over the years. While every format has its own charm, One Day Internationals (ODIs) have given cricket enthusiasts some of the most thrilling matches in the history of sports. With over 4000 matches played in a span of 52 years since the first ODI in 1971, the format has witnessed numerous unforgettable encounters. In this blog, we will delve into the top 10 best ODI matches ever played, each offering its own unique moments of excitement, drama, and unforgettable heroics.
| No. | Match | Teams | Year | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | Natwest Series Final 2002 | England vs India | 2002 | India won by 2 wickets |
| 9 | Chappell Hadlee Final 2007 | New Zealand vs Australia | 2007 | New Zealand won by 1 wicket |
| 8 | Asia Cup 2014 | Pakistan vs India | 2014 | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
| 7 | Group Match 2015 World Cup | Australia vs New Zealand | 2015 | New Zealand won by 1 wicket |
| 6 | 1st ODI 2009 | Sri Lanka vs India | 2009 | India won by 3 runs |
| 5 | 5th ODI World Series 1996 | West Indies vs Australia | 1996 | Australia won by 1 wicket |
| 4 | Semi-final 1999 World Cup | South Africa vs Australia | 1999 | Australia won by 1 run (Tie) |
| 3 | Austral Asia Cup Final 1986 | Pakistan vs India | 1986 | Pakistan won by 1 wicket |
| 2 | 5th ODI 2006 | South Africa vs Australia | 2006 | South Africa won by 1 wicket |
| 1 | World Cup 2019 Final | England vs New Zealand | 2019 | England won by Super Over (Tie) |
The Natwest Series Final at Lord's in 2002 will always be remembered for Sourav Ganguly's iconic shirt-waving celebration. England set a challenging target of 326, with centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain. In response, India seemed to be faltering at 146-5, but Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif stitched together a heroic partnership. Kaif's brilliance at the end secured a thrilling victory for India with just three balls to spare.
In a Chappell-Hadlee Final, Australia posted a massive total of 346, courtesy of Matthew Hayden's blistering 181. New Zealand's response was equally remarkable, with Craig McMillan's heroic century and Brendon McCullum's support leading them to an astonishing one-wicket win with just one ball remaining, completing a series clean sweep over Australia.
An Indo-Pak clash is always a high-stakes encounter, and this one lived up to expectations. India scored 245, and Pakistan found themselves in trouble at 203-6. However, Shahid Afridi's explosive cameo of 33 off 18 balls took Pakistan to an unforgettable win. Afridi's two sixes off the last over sealed the victory in dramatic fashion.
A low-scoring thriller unfolded as Australia scored only 151, but New Zealand almost faltered in the chase. Kane Williamson's composed innings and a six in the final over from Mitchell Starc led New Zealand to a nail-biting one-wicket win.
A run-fest at Rajkot saw India set a mammoth target of 414, with Virender Sehwag's explosive century. In response, Sri Lanka fought valiantly, with Tillakaratne Dilshan scoring a brilliant 160. But they fell just three runs short, resulting in a thrilling victory for India.
An epic New Year's Day battle at Sydney Cricket Ground saw West Indies post 172, and Australia stumbled to 41-4 in the chase. However, Michael Bevan's heroic 78 guided Australia to a sensational one-wicket victory.
In an intense semi-final match, Australia set a target of 214, and South Africa found themselves needing just 9 runs off the last over. However, a run-out in the final over led to a tie, breaking South African hearts and sending Australia to the World Cup final.
An Indo-Pak classic in Sharjah saw India score 245, and Pakistan fought valiantly in the chase. With 4 runs needed off the final ball, Javed Miandad smashed a six to seal a memorable victory for Pakistan.
A high-scoring thriller in Johannesburg featured Australia posting a mammoth 434, thanks to Ricky Ponting's epic 164. In response, Herschelle Gibbs' brilliant 175 guided South Africa to a stunning win with one wicket and one ball to spare.
The pinnacle of ODI cricket saw England and New Zealand locked in a tied match, followed by a tied super over. England was crowned World Cup champions due to a superior boundary count, leaving fans on the edge of their seats in one of the greatest matches ever played.
Cricket's history is adorned with countless remarkable matches, and the ODI format has provided fans with some of the most unforgettable encounters. From thrilling chases to nerve-wracking finishes, the top 10 best ODI matches have showcased the true essence of cricket's glorious uncertainties, leaving fans with cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
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