Watching sports is not just all about the player’s performance and who’ll win or lose but creates suspense and drama. In cricket, it’s considered the last-ball finishes that have given some of the most iconic moments.
Let’s relive some of the most exciting moments that made certain matches still worth talking about until today.
1999 World Cup Semi-Final: Australia vs South Africa
Date: June 17, 1999
Venue: Edgbaston in Birmingham, England
This has got to be one of the most memorable matches in the cricket World Cup history. During this match, South Africa needed nine runs to win off the last over. Lance Klusener hit two boundaries off Damien Fleming, bringing the score to a tie with one ball remaining.
However, a mix-up between Klusener and Allan Donald led to Donald being run out. The game ended with a tie score, and Australia was able to advance to the final because of their net run rate during the tournament.
This match allowed both teams to showcase their skills, and it did get controversial. The mix-up between Klusener and Donald sparked debates about the team’s communication and decision-making skills under pressure.
One of the iconic photos in cricket history was snapped during this event. It was an image of Klusener looking distraught on the ground as he realizes their team’s defeat.
There have been countless times when the most seasoned experts have been left speechless because of the last-ball finishes. Always check the top bookies cricket tips and predictions on how a match might conclude if you plan to place bets on sports considering its risk.
2014 Asia Cup Final: Pakistan vs Sri Lanka
Date: March 8, 2014
Venue: Shere Bangla National Stadium in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Before this match was over, Pakistan needed 9 more runs to win with only one wicket in hand. This turned out to be an iconic event because cricket fans have seen Pakistan fight until the very end.
Two runs were required to get the last ball, but unfortunately, Afridi was run out while going for the second run. This then resulted in Sri Lanka winning, and many praised the team for staying calm under pressure. Lasith Malinga was able to deliver the match-winning final over.
Despite Pakistan losing, many wouldn’t forget how Afridi did his best to almost have pulled off a miraculous win. It was one of the most dramatic moments in cricket, that’s for sure.
2016 T20 World Cup: India vs Bangladesh
Date: March 23, 2016
Venue: M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, India
This match is remembered for its dramatic finish as even before it got there, there had been several twists and turns that showcased the unpredictable nature of T20 cricket.
The match swung back and forth, with neither team able to gain a decisive advantage. It was in the final few overs that the tension reached fever pitch. Eventually, Bangladesh only needed 2 runs off the last ball, but it seemed like Mushfiqur Rahim celebrated early.
His and the fans’ excitement quickly turned into heartbreak because, during that big shot, India’s Shikar Dhawan was able to catch the ball. This allowed India to win by one run, and til today, this is proof of how T20 can be so unpredictable. Surely, many cricket players have learned so much from this moment.
2017 Indian Premier League Final: Mumbai Indians vs Rising Pune Supergiant
Date: May 21, 2017
Venue: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad, India
During the last few moments of this match, Mumbai Indians needed just four runs off the last ball to win. The chase to be able to pull it off was what made this such an iconic match, especially with players like Parthiv Patel and Krunal Pandya.
In the end, Kieron Pollard hit a six off Jaydevn Unadkat, and this allowed them to have a one-run victory for MI. This is another great match that shows how the Indian Premier League is such a high-stakes match. It’s also a great match where both teams were able to showcase how skilled they are in turns.
2019 Cricket World Cup Final: England vs New Zealand
Date: July 14, 2019
Venue: Lord’s in London, England
This is one of the greatest cricket matches ever as it even ended in a tie for a Super Over. During this, New Zealand needed two more runs off the last ball to win, and Martin Guptill was run out while attempting the second run. This then ended in another tie, but it was England that was declared the winner.
The decision was based on the boundary count rule, and it was England who scored more throughout the whole match. This also became kind of controversial it sparked debates on whether the boundary count rule is fair.
Conclusion
Those are just some of cricket’s memorable last-ball finishes which led to unforgettable wins and even defeats. They serve as very good reminders of how dramatic and even suspenseful cricket matches can be, and surely, fans will always have fun relieving such moments.