Indian cricket has a historic past that is littered with triumphs and glories that have left an everlasting impression on the sport’s worldwide scene. India’s cricketing odyssey has included amazing victories that have enthralled fans all over the world, from the sun-drenched fields of Mumbai to the revered turf of Lord’s in London.
Let’s go on a journey to commemorate the ten greatest triumphs in Indian cricket, each of which is a monument to the ion and skill that have helped India become a cricketing superpower.
10. India vs Bangladesh | ICC T20 World Cup, 2016
Cricket fans will never forget the spectacular contest against Bangladesh at the Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. After being invited to bat first, India managed to post 146 runs, with Suresh Raina (30) top-scoring with the bat for the Men in Blue.
During the chase, Bangladesh looked well on their way to conquering the target. Mushfiqur Raheem of Bangladesh began celebrating even before the victory as he hit back-to-back boundaries.
Now, 2 runs were required from 3 balls, but Bangladesh lost 2 back-to-back wickets, with 2 runs needed off 1 ball. This is the most memorable performance by Hardik Pandya with the ball.
Dhoni’s run out on the penultimate ball was amazing; he pulled off his glove and rushed like a lion chasing a deer. Dhoni’s intelligence and mental fortitude came into play once more, helping India win the match by 1 run.
9. India vs England | Natwest Final, 2000
Prior to the final against England, India had been the most consistent team in the tournament. Choosing to bat first, England set a target of 326 thanks to centuries from Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain.
Coming out to chase, India needed a good start, which Sourav Ganguly and Virender Sehwag provided. Within the first 15 overs, India had reached 100, and they were well on their way to completing the chase.
India needed two runs in the final over, and when Zaheer Khan scampered for a run off an overthrow, the amazing victory was achieved. Only a few fans will forget the image of Sourav Ganguly waving his shirt at the Lord’s balcony.
8. India vs Pakistan | ICC World Cup, 2003
Pakistan batted first and scored 273 for 7 in 50 overs, with Saeed Anwar striking a magnificent 101. With Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag shredding Pakistan’s bowling assault, India came out all guns blazing.
Tendulkar, in particular, was brutal against the Pakistan quicks, slamming them all over the Supersport Park. He fell two short of what could have been an unforgettable hundred. It was therefore up to Rahul Dravid and Yuvraj Singh to bring India home, and they did so irably.
7. India vs Australia | CB Series Final, 2008
Batting first, India achieved a competitive 258 for 9 in 50 overs, thanks to Sachin Tendulkar’s superb 91. For the Indians, Praveen Kumar struck early, dismissing Adam Gilchrist, Ricky Ponting, and Michael Clarke.
Matthew Hayden and Andrew Symonds put up a good fight before falling in rapid succession. Before Piyush Chawla dismissed James Hope, he had kept his team in the game with some lusty blows.
6. India vs Australia | Coca-Cola Trophy, 1998
India had advanced to the Coca-Cola Trophy finals thanks to Sachin Tendulkar’s stunning 143 in the last match of the league rounds. On the day of the final, India needed to chase 273 to win the title, and Tendulkar had to strike again.
Tendulkar struck another century for the second time in three days, destroying the Australian attack of Damien Fleming, Michael Kasprowicz, Tom Moody, and Shane Warne in all parts of the Sharjah Cricket Stadium to enable India to accomplish a spectacular win over the Aussies.
5. India vs Pakistan | World Cup Semi-Final, 2011
India batted first in this high-stakes game and got off to a quick start under Virender Sehwag. The pressure of the competition, however, had gotten to everyone except Sehwag.
After Sehwag’s dismissal, the wickets kept falling on the other end; however, Sachin stood on the other end and scored a crucial 85 runs. The lower order also cheaped in and helped India reach 260 runs.
Pakistan began their chase steadily before losing 4 wickets quickly with 106 runs on the board. Umar Akmal then threatened to take the match away from India, but Harbhajan Singh’s faster delivery terminated his stint in the middle.
With the exception of Misbah-ul-Haq, none of the other Pakistani batters managed to put up a meaningful total after that, as India cruised to an easy victory.
Also Read | India vs Pakistan: Head to Head in ODI World Cups
