The ICC Cricket World Cup has had 12 editions since its debut in 1975 and has been held in more than 10 different nations. Six nations have won the competition, with the Aussies leading the way with five trophies. On a similar note, here are the three most memorable World Cup finals among the 12.
3. West Indies vs Australia 1975 final
The inaugural edition is always special; West Indies and Australia clashed at Lords to decide the victors of the first World Cup. The Windies reached 291 in the first innings thanks to Clive Lloyd’s century (102 off 85). Sir Viv Richards’ outstanding arm was the 2nd innings’ high point. Alan Turner, who was looking strong on 40 off 52 balls, was run out by Richards. He subsequently started interfering with the runs of both Chappell brothers. Particularly when Ian Chappell was dismissed, Australia’s chase was severely shaken. With 21 overs left, they were well-placed at 162/3. Australia found it difficult to accept that they lost by only 17 runs, but since they have won the World Cup five times, they may not give this game as much thought now.
2. India vs Sri Lanka 2011 final
The 2011 ICC World Cup final was tense from the coin toss. Zaheer’s oppressive spell set the mood for India. He allowed six runs in his opening five overs, bowling three maidens and picking up a wicket. Mahela Jayawardene held the fort at one end and reached a well-made century taking Sri Lanka to 275.
India’s response was slow to start. Malinga struck twice to remove Sehwag and Tendulkar. However, Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir steadied their innings. India crossed the finish line thanks to a 97 from Gambhir and an unbeaten 91 from MS Dhoni, who also snapped a 28-year trophy drought with a powerful shot into the stands. This is the most successful run-chase in World Cup Finals history and one of just four finals won by the chasing side.
1. England vs New Zealand 2019 Final
The most recent final will be remembered as the most contentious and competitive final in the sport’s history. The toss was delayed by 15 minutes due to rain, and despite no additional rain, the day remained cloudy and wet the entire time. New Zealand lost Martin Guptill early but still looked good at 103-1. However, Liam Plunkett struck twice, removing Henry Nicholls and captain Kane Williamson. New Zealand kept losing wickets at regular intervals and scored 241/8.
In reply, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were left to fix the England innings, hanging by a thread at 86-4. With Buttler out, England were 196-5 and started to take out the lower middle order. For the final over, with England needing 15 runs to win, Kane Williamson gave the ball to his finest bowler, Trent Boult. Boult had a fantastic start with two dots but gave away a maximum in the third ball. After Martin Guptill’s throw veered off Stokes’ bat and rolled to the boundary, the fourth ball was given six runs. Stokes sprinted for the second run on the final two balls to keep the strike, leading to two run-outs at the other end. The final score for both teams was 241, sending the match into a Super Over. England won the super over on boundary count, making the 2019 final the most dramatic one ever.