Cricket is a sport that has captivated millions of fans around the world with its thrilling contests, dramatic finishes and unforgettable moments. Some matches stand out as the greatest ever played, either for their significance, their quality or their entertainment value. Here are our picks for the top 10 greatest cricket matches of all time.
- India vs Pakistan, 2007 T20 World Cup Final
The first edition of the T20 World Cup saw arch-rivals India and Pakistan clash in a nail-biting final that went down to the last over. India batted first and posted 157/5, thanks to a cameo from Rohit Sharma. Pakistan needed 13 runs off the final over, bowled by Joginder Sharma. Misbah-ul-Haq hit a six off the second ball, but then scooped the fourth ball to Sreesanth at fine leg, giving India a five-run win and their first world title since 1983. - Australia vs South Africa, 1999 World Cup Semi-Final
One of the most dramatic matches in World Cup history, this semi-final ended in a tie that sent Australia to the final on net run rate. South Africa needed nine runs off the last over, bowled by Damien Fleming, with one wicket in hand. Lance Klusener smashed the first two balls for fours, but then Allan Donald was run out on the fourth ball after a mix-up with Klusener, leaving both teams on 213. Australia went on to win their second consecutive World Cup. - England vs Australia, 2005 Ashes Second Test
The 2005 Ashes series is widely regarded as one of the best ever, and the second Test at Edgbaston was a classic example of why. England set Australia a target of 282, and the visitors looked set to chase it down with ease as they reached 220/5. But then Andrew Flintoff sparked a collapse, taking four wickets and running out Brett Lee. Australia needed three runs off the last ball, but Michael Kasprowicz gloved a catch to Geraint Jones, giving England a two-run win and leveling the series. - West Indies vs Australia, 1960-61 Test Series
The first ever tied Test match took place in Brisbane in 1960-61, as West Indies and Australia produced a thrilling contest that went down to the wire. West Indies batted first and scored 453, with Sir Garfield Sobers making 132. Australia replied with 505, with Norm O’Neill scoring 181. West Indies then declared their second innings at 284/6, setting Australia a target of 233. The hosts needed six runs off the last over with three wickets in hand, but Wes Hall took two wickets and ran out Lindsay Kline on the final ball, leaving both teams on 232. - England vs New Zealand, 2019 World Cup Final
The most recent entry on this list, this match was arguably the most dramatic and controversial final ever played. England batted first and scored 241/8, with Ben Stokes top-scoring with 84 not out. New Zealand matched that score exactly, with Kane Williamson making 67 and Martin Guptill hitting a six off the last ball. The match went to a super over, where both teams scored 15 runs each. England were declared the winners on boundary countback, sparking jubilation and heartbreak in equal measure.