Best Knocks in ODI World Cup Finals
In the history of the ICC Cricket World Cup, there have been some batting performances of pure cricketing essence. When fans watch an ODI World Cup finals, it is expected that some player will take the great cause in his own hands and deliver something outstanding for his team.
In totality, a World Cup finals is not just a contest of teams, but an opportunity for individuals of genius range to step up their game with the bat or ball. From the memorable performance of Ricky Ponting at the Johannesburg to the majestic knock of Vivian Richards, these World Cup finals have witnessed some of the best batting performances that define the essence of limited-overs cricket at its finest.
Join us as we delve into the iconic innings that have left an indelible mark on the history of ODI World Cup finals.
Sir Vivian Richards, ODI World Cup Finals 1979
In the 1979 ICC Cricket World Cup final, Vivian Richards played a remarkable match winning innings at the Lord’s. Against high quality English bowlers, Richards’ spectacular knock of 138 off 157 balls was nothing short of legendary. Richards walked out to the crease with West Indies in a precarious position at 99 for 4.
What followed was a a barrage of powerful strokes that left the English bowlers baffled and the spectators in awe. What made Richards’ innings even more remarkable was his ability to absorb pressure and yet maintain an astonishing scoring rate. Richards’ 138 not out not only anchored West Indies’ innings but also played a pivotal role in their World Cup triumph.
Ricky Ponting, ODI World Cup Finals 2003
Ricky Ponting played an extraordinary innings in 2003 ICC Cricket World Cup final that propelled Australia to glory against India. His unforgettable knock of 140 off 121 balls left Indian bowlers flustered in the heat of Johannesburg. Facing a formidable Indian side at the Wanderers Stadium, Ponting’s innings was nothing short of masterclass.
Having scored only 2 runs in the semifinals, Ponting need a way out and big players perform at big stages. He primarily attacked Indian pace trio which remained wicketless in that match. His partnerships with Damien Martyn and Andrew Symonds added to the agony of the Indian team, as he orchestrated a commanding total of 359 runs for Australia.
Aravinda de Silva, ODI World Cup Finals 1996
Aravinda de Silva’s 107 off 124 balls in the 1996 ICC Cricket World Cup final against Australia shines bright and distinct in Sri Lankan cricket history. This remarkable innings played a pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s historic World Cup triumph.
In the final, played at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, Sri Lanka found themselves in a challenging situation after losing their openers early. However, de Silva, coming in at No. 5, exhibited nerves of steel and played a steady and moving knock comprised of 13 fours. Ultimately, Sri Lanka went on to win the 1996 World Cup, with Aravinda de Silva’s 107 playing a monumental role in their historic victory.
Ben Stokes, ODI World Cup Finals 2019
The 2019 ODI World Cup final was nothing short of a edge-of-your-seat cricketing drama. Ben Stokes’ heroic innings of 84 off 98 balls felt like obstacle for New Zealand and their World Cup dream. On a bright and sunny day at Lord’s, England stumbled in their chase and Ben Stokes walked to the crease with a mountain of pressure on his shoulders.
The batting conditions were difficult and that makes Stokes’ innings more admirable. Initially, he watched through of tight New Zealand bowling, finding gaps in the field with gritty singles. But the most decisive moment came in the final over of regulation play when England needed 15 runs to win. Stokes managed to tie the scores and take the game to a Super Over.
MS Dhoni, ODI World Cup Finals 2011
MS Dhoni’s innings of 91 off 79 balls in the 2011 ODI World Cup final against Sri Lanka was a knock of a true leader. This innings delivered India its second World Cup victory for which the fans waited for 28 years. India was chasing a target of 275 runs to secure World Cup glory. The top order had faltered under the pressure of the final, leaving the captain, MS Dhoni, with the task of steering the Indian ship.
Early on, he displayed a cautious approach, carefully building partnerships with Gautam Gambhir and later Yuvraj Singh. As the innings progressed, Dhoni’s trademark helicopter shot and powerful drives began to make their presence felt. He rotated the strike effectively, ensuring that the scoreboard kept ticking. With just ten balls to go, and India needing four runs to win, Dhoni unleashed a ferocious six over long-on, sealing India’s World Cup triumph in style.
From Vivian Richards’ majestic dominance in 1979 to Ricky Ponting’s controlled aggression in 2003, Ben Stokes’ heroic display in 2019, and MS Dhoni’s composed leadership in 2011, these moments define the essence of cricket’s most prestigious tournament.
