#4) West Indies vs Australia, Barbados, 1999
Result: West Indies beat Australia by one wicket
Just two months after suffering a 5-0 whitewash in South Africa, the West Indies found themselves facing a formidable challenge against Australia, the strongest team of their era. Chasing a target of 308, the West Indies stumbled to 105-5, with the likes of Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne proving menacing with the ball.
Amidst the collapse, it was the West Indian batting maestro, Brian Lara, who rose to the occasion with an unforgettable innings. Lara’s brilliance came to the fore as he played one of his greatest knocks, crafting a breathtaking 153* that breathed new life into the match.
Facing a formidable bowling attack and with the odds stacked against his team, Lara displayed extraordinary determination and skill, defying the Australian bowlers at every turn. His majestic innings inspired a remarkable comeback, pulling the West Indies closer to an improbable victory.
However, even Lara needed the support of the team’s last batsman, Courtney Walsh, a notoriously inept No. 11, to survive five balls and secure the win. The West Indies ultimately achieved a thrilling triumph, levelling the series at 2-2.
