Fans have witnessed many thrilling and nail-biting cricket matches. But, there are only a few instances when the team has made a brilliant comeback in nervy situations. Whether it is Test cricket or the limited-over format, there are always moments the fans want to see in a match.
There are many jaw-dropping moments when teams bounced back from significant lows and brought the world to their feet with their stunning efforts. Meanwhile, here, we will look at the top three memorable comebacks in cricket history that shook the world.
South Africa’s record-breaking 434 chases against Australia in ODI
South Africa and Australia clashed against each other in the fifth match of the five-match ODI series in Johannesburg. It was a series decider match, and many records were created in that match. The Australian team batted first and achieved a record-breaking total of 434 runs in just 50 overs, all thanks to the then-Australian captain, who smashed 164 runs in just 105 deliveries.
Chasing the target, the Proteas lost their opener in the second over the innings. However, Herschelle Gibbs came to bat at no.3 and did half of the work for the team; he smashed 175 runs in just 111 balls which included 21 fours and seven sixes and helped the team to achieve the highest-ever chase in ODI history.
Kapil Dev’s unbeaten 175 runs knock in the 1983 World Cup.
Former Indian captain Kapil Dev played a memorable inning against Zimbabwe in the 1983 World Cup when the team was in big trouble. India won the toss and elected to bat first. However, the decision proved wrong as both Indian openers Sunil Gavaskar, and Kris Srikkanth got out on ducks. Things got worse when India lost their five wickets on just 17 runs.
However, Indian skipper Kapil Dev to the matter into his own hands and played an unbeaten knock of 175 runs off just 138 deliveries which included 16 fours and six sixes. He also stitched a brilliant unbeaten 126-run stand with Syed Kirmani and helped the team to achieve a fighting total of 266 runs. In the end, India won the match by 31 runs.
MS Dhoni’s fighting knock against Sri Lanka went in vain
India clashed against Sri Lanka in the first match of the three-match ODI series in Dharamsala in 2017. Batting first, India had a horrible start. The Men in Blue lost their seven batters on the score of 29 runs and were looking to achieve a shameful total. However, former India captain MS Dhoni came forward and played a fighting knock.
Dhoni came to bat at no.6 and scored 65 runs, including ten fours and two sixes. Meanwhile, no other batter could keep the other end safe, and India kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Due to Dhon’s fighting knock, the Men in Blue achieved a respectable total of 112 runs. However, it wasn’t enough, as the visitors won the match by seven wickets.