The Cricket World Cup is just round the corner and every tournament has its moments. The moments will be cherished, loved and adored by every cricket fan. And with just days left for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 to start, let’s take a look back at some of the most interesting moments that defined the last World Cups! . Some of these moments are reminisced about more than the matches themselves. Here are the unforgettable moments in Cricket World Cup for India.
The Unseen 100 of Kapil Dev
Zimbabwe, who had already beaten Australia on the back of a fine all-round performance by future England coach Duncan Fletcher, were on the verge of another shock win when they reduced India to 17 for five.
But India captain Kapil Dev responded with a stunning knock of 175 off 138 balls — an innings only seen by spectators at the Nevill Ground in Tunbridge Wells as a strike by BBC technicians meant the match was not broadcast on television.
An eventual total of 266 proved too much for Zimbabwe, with Kapil’s century an example of the inspirational leadership that would see India crowned champions a week later.
Emotional Century of Sachin Tendulkar
It was during the 1999 World Cup in the UK, when Sachin Tendulakar lost his father. Tendulkar came back to India for the funeral. Meanwhile, India had to play Kenya next in a must-win game and the master padded up to play one of the best knocks of his life. Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar scored a 140 not out off 101 balls and dedicated his century to his middle name. India posted a total of 329 and won the match by 94 runs.
Win Against the Invincible West Indies in the World Cup Final
No one gave India a chance in the 1983 final. The view was reinforced at “half-time”, after India had labored to just 183 in their 60 overs. West Indies were in full control in reaching 50 for 1, with Viv Richards in majestic form. However, Richards then skied one and Indian captain Kapil Dev circled under the ball for what seemed an eternity before taking the catch over his shoulder. It sparked a collapse and India romped home by 43 runs.
First World Cup hat trick By Chetan Sharma
The first hattrick in the Cricket World Cup history was taken by Chetan Sharma of India at the 1987 World Cup. Sharma achieved this feat playing against New Zealand. The pace spearhead clean bowled Ken Rutherford, Ian Smith and Ewen Chatfield with the last three balls of the 42nd over. New Zealand succumbed to the brunt of Sharma and India won the match by nine wickets.
India became first country to win world cup at their home ground
In the 2011 World Cup final, India defeated Sri Lanka by 6 wickets at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai to become the first country to bag the coveted World Cup trophy in their own home ground. The crowd at the Wankhede Stadium was so amazing and noisy that the umpires, at the time of tossing the coin, failed to hear the then Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakara’s call and eventually the coin was tossed again.
MS Dhoni Winning Shot in 2011 World cup
There is no better way to capture the World Cup in one frame. Mahendra Singh Dhoni finishing off the match with his master stroke—the helicopter shot! The shot that gave India its World Cup after 28 long years. India stood tall in front of every opponent and delivered with passion. Last World Cup also proved that an experienced and in-form team is required to win the World Cup!
2011 Sachin Finally lifts the world cup
Sachin Tendulkar, India’s finest ever cricketer, was playing his 6th and final tournament in 2011. India reached the final, played in front of Tendulkar’s home crowd in Mumbai, against Sri Lanka. India had to chase a challenging 275 and were carried to victory by their captain MS Dhoni. As India celebrated, Tendulkar was held aloft by his team mates in front of an emotional Mumbai crowd. Fellow player Virat Kohli summed up the feelings of a grateful country when he said: “Tendulkar has carried the burden of a nation for 21 years. It was time we carried him.”
