Top Thrilling Matches in ODI Cricket

Cricket is the heart & soul of India’s Sporting System. Almost all formats of Cricket are followed by cricket fans but among all, one format which continues to grab the attention of cricket fans over the years is the ODI format. One-Day International (ODI) cricket has produced some of the most thrilling encounters, with intense chases, remarkable comebacks, and breathtaking moments. This article delves into the topmost thrilling matches in ODI Cricket that have left fans on the edge of their seats.

From the dramatic 2019 Cricket World Cup Final to the nail-biting India vs Pakistan 2022 T20 World Cup Final, these matches showcase the raw emotion and captivating nature of ODI cricket. Read more about these unforgettable clashes, reliving the heart-stopping moments and the enduring legacy of these top five thrilling ODI games:

Top Most Thrilling Matches in the ODI Cricket

• 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Final – England vs. New Zealand

The 2019 Cricket World Cup Final between England and New Zealand will forever be remembered as one of the most thrilling matches in the history of ODI cricket. Held at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London, this epic clash produced a truly sensational finish that left fans on the edge of their seats.

After 50 overs of intense action, both teams scored 241 runs, resulting in a tie. The match then went into a Super Over, a rule introduced in the 2019 World Cup for tie-breaker situations. England batted first in the Super Over and managed to score 15 runs. New Zealand, in their reply, also scored 15 runs, leading to yet another tie.

The thrilling climax was decided by the boundary count rule, which came under scrutiny later. Since England had hit more boundaries during the entire match, they were declared the winners and crowned champions for the first time in Cricket World Cup history. This controversial ending, while disappointing for New Zealand, showcased the incredible drama and intensity of ODI cricket.

• 1999 ICC Cricket World Cup Semi-Final – Australia vs. South Africa

The semi-final clash between Australia and South Africa during the 1999 Cricket World Cup is widely regarded as one of the most memorable matches ever played. The game, held at Edgbaston in Birmingham, had a rollercoaster of emotions and produced a finish that left the cricketing world stunned.

Batting first, Australia set a challenging target of 214 runs for South Africa. The Proteas started their innings well, but wickets fell at crucial moments, making the chase difficult. Lance Klusener’s brilliant batting brought South Africa close to victory. With one wicket remaining and nine runs required from the last over, the stage was set for a dramatic conclusion.

In an intense climax, South Africa needed just one run from the last four balls. However, a mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald led to a run-out, resulting in a tie and sending Australia to the final based on their superior run rate, breaking South African hearts.

• 2006 DLF Cup – Australia vs. South Africa

The DLF Cup encounter between Australia and South Africa in 2006 remains one of the most thrilling and high-scoring matches in ODI history. The match, held at New Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, witnessed a jaw-dropping run chase that captivated cricket fans around the world.

Batting first, Australia posted an imposing total of 434 runs, the highest ever in an ODI at that time. The Australian innings was highlighted by Ricky Ponting’s scintillating 164 and contributions from other batsmen. The target seemed impossible for South Africa, but what followed was nothing short of astonishing.

Led by Herschelle Gibbs’ incredible knock of 175, South Africa mounted a fierce response. The Proteas showcased their aggressive intent and remarkable batting prowess, with contributions from Graeme Smith, AB de Villiers, and Mark Boucher. In a breathtaking climax, South Africa achieved the target with just one ball remaining, securing a thrilling one-wicket victory. It was the highest successful run chase in ODI history, leaving spectators in awe of the sheer audacity and skill on display.

• 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final – England vs. India

The 2013 ICC Champions Trophy Final between India and England was a rain-affected match that provided a thrilling finish. India batted first and set a target of 130 runs in 20 overs due to rain interruptions. England’s chase got off to a rocky start with early dismissals of Alastair Cook and Ian Bell.

However, Jonathan Trott and Eoin Morgan formed a crucial partnership, steadying the innings and giving England hope. As the match progressed, Indian bowlers fought back, taking key wickets and increasing the pressure on England.

With 20 runs needed from the last 16 balls, the contest reached a tense climax. The outcome remained uncertain as the overs ticked by. In a nerve-wracking finish, India managed to defend their total, restricting England to 124 runs for the loss of eight wickets. India emerged victorious by a mere 5 runs.

• 1996 World Cup Semi-Final – Australia vs. West Indies

The semifinal clash between Australia and West Indies during the 1996 Cricket World Cup was a thrilling encounter filled with twists and turns. The match took place at Punjab Cricket Association IS Bindra Stadium in Mohali, India.

Batting first, Australia set a target of 208 runs for the West Indies. The West Indies started their chase confidently, with Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Brian Lara leading the charge. At one stage, the West Indies seemed well-positioned at 165 for the loss of three wickets.

However, the Australian bowlers staged a remarkable comeback, taking crucial wickets and applying pressure on the West Indian batsmen. Australia broke the middle order of West Indies with Shane Warne and Steve Waugh being the destroyer-in-chief as they picked up four wickets each.

West Indies needed ten runs in the final over with Richardson on strike. Damien Fleming was entrusted with a duty to defend those crucial runs while Richardson had to score nine runs to secure the final berth. Despite getting hit for a four on the first ball, Fleming did not flinch an eye. Richardson tried to steal a single in the second ball and Curtly Ambrose was dismissed while reducing them to six runs from four deliveries with Richardson on the non-strike. Courtney Walsh was dismissed in the next delivery with the Kangaroos securing a thrilling five-run victory over the West Indies.

• India vs Bangladesh Nidahas Trophy Final

When thrilling ODI Fixtures are talked about, the name of India vs Bangladesh Nidahas Trophy Final is a sureshot on the list. Dinesh Karthik starred in the fixture with an eight-ball unbeaten 29. His last ball six helepd India to secure a nervy win over Bangladesh in the Bidahas Trophy T20 tri-series final on Sunday.

Coming to the fixture, Bangladesh was on the verge of breaking its age-old record of defeats against India in the Nidahas Trophy T20 Tri-series final. India’s batter,  Vijay Shankar (17) and Manish Pandey (28) were struggling and the asking rate had mounted. The equation read 34 off 12 balls when Pandey lost his wicket. This led to the arrival of Dinesh Karthik at No 7. The batter walked on the field with great intent & the crucial 19^th over was in the hands of Rubel Hossain who scalped 2-13 in three overs.

But Rubel couldn’t stop Karthik from smashing sixes & fours which changed the momentum of the game. The Indian wicket-keeper blasted all cylinders by smashing a low full toss over long on for six & followed it up with a powerful blow to long on for a four. He hit a full toss ball over mid-wicket to hit his second six & end the over with a fine leg fence. With 22 runs coming off the 19^th over, India looked back on track.

The final over bowled by Soumya Sarkar it was Shankar who smashed a four on the fourth ball but got dismissed. The equation read 5 off five balls. And the hopes were on Karthik who smashed a massive six over the cover on the last to help India chase the target. The chase helped India to win the Nidahas T20 Tri-Series Final in Colombo.

• India vs Pakistan 2022 World Cup Clash in MCG

This fixture is registered in the minds of cric-fans as one of the most thrilling matches in ODI Cricket history And for Viratians, this fixture is just like a dream come true India as his masterclass helped India to win this thriller against Pakistan.

It was a nail-biter contest that went to the last over & fans witnessed a classic Virat Kohli showdown that guided India to the laurels of victory. After opting to bowl first India was successful in restricting Men in Green to 159 runs total. In reply, India got off to a poor start as they lost the wickets of KL Rahul, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar & Axar early in the chase rescuing India to 31-4. Kohli who was set at one side got the support of Hardik Pandya & the duo did the rebuilding for their homeland.

Virat & Hardik were going strong & were nearing the target but soon in the 19^th over they lost Hardik Pandya. The task of scoring 16 runs off 6 balls was on Kohli & Ashwin & here Kohli played the aggressor role. With one massive six & electrified running between wickets Kohli & Ashwin did the unexpected by guiding India to a glorious win. Kohli was awarded the Player of the Match for his mind-bending 82* from just 53 balls & Men in Blue registered their maiden triumph in the tournament.

These are some of the most thrilling matches in the history of ODI cricket. These are personally our favorites. If you think we left some more thrilling matches in the list then feel free to share them with us. Let’s see who watches cricket more than us!

Also Read, Who is Sachin Dhas? India’s U19 Star who wears Jersey No 10