Top 10 Greatest Cricket Matches of All Time

Cricket, a sport steeped in tradition and history, has given us some unforgettable moments. From last-ball thrillers to extraordinary comebacks, the game has seen it all. Here, we count down our picks for the top 10 greatest cricket matches of all time. These games have attained legendary status in the global sport, encompassing all formats: T20s, ODIs, and Tests.

10. Australia vs England: The Ashes Third Test, Headingley

The 2019 Ashes series delivered one of the most memorable matches in cricket history. England, after being bowled out for a mere 67 runs in their first innings, faced a seemingly insurmountable target set by Australia. Enter Ben Stokes, who turned the tide with an extraordinary display of batting. With England still 70 runs adrift, Stokes, protecting Jack Leach at the other end, chipped away at the target. Each run was met with roars from the Headingley crowd, culminating in an unbelievable victory for England. Stokes’ heroics in this match cemented his status as an Ashes legend.

9. England vs West Indies: ICC T20 World Cup Final

The 2016 ICC T20 World Cup final saw West Indies and England face off in a match that went down in history. England set a competitive total, thanks to a late surge in their batting order. However, Marlon Samuels kept the West Indies in contention with his tenacity at the crease. With 19 runs needed off the final over, Carlos Brathwaite delivered an unforgettable performance, hitting four consecutive sixes off Ben Stokes’ deliveries. This stunning display of power hitting secured the victory for West Indies, leaving the English players and fans shell-shocked.

8. India vs Australia: Second Test, Kolkata

In 2001, the second Test between India and Australia at Kolkata epitomized resilience and determination. Australia, unbeaten for 16 consecutive matches, dominated the early part of the game. However, a 376-run partnership between Rahul Dravid and VVS Laxman turned the tide. The pair helped India overcome a follow-on and amass a mammoth total of 657 runs. Harbhajan Singh’s spin then dismantled the Australian batting lineup, ending their winning streak. This match is remembered for its dramatic turnaround and the grit shown by the Indian team.

7. Australia vs South Africa: ICC Cricket World Cup Second Semi-Final

The 1999 World Cup semi-final between Australia and South Africa is considered one of the greatest ODIs of all time. The match was a rollercoaster of emotions, with both teams evenly matched throughout. Australia, defending a modest total, saw their bowlers limit South Africa’s chase. However, the Proteas fought back, matching the target but falling agonizingly short due to a run-out on the final ball. This tied match, which felt like a defeat for South Africa, is etched in cricketing folklore.

6. India vs Pakistan: ICC T20 World Cup Super 12's Match

An India-Pakistan match always promises high drama, and the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup Super 12's clash did not disappoint. Pakistan dominated for most of the match, posting a challenging total and tearing through India’s top order. However, Virat Kohli stood firm, single-handedly steering India to victory with a masterful innings. His flurry of boundaries and favorable umpiring decisions turned the tide in India’s favor, resulting in a famous win that left fans on both sides breathless.

5. Australia vs England: The Ashes Second Test, Edgbaston

The 2005 Ashes series is remembered for its intensity, and the second Test at Edgbaston was the highlight. This match ebbed and flowed over five days, with both teams having their moments. England set a formidable lead, but Australia’s tail-enders nearly pulled off an improbable win. The match was decided by just two runs, with Andrew Flintoff’s all-round heroics sealing the victory for England. This game showcased Test cricket at its finest, with relentless competition and high drama.

4. New Zealand vs South Africa: ICC Cricket World Cup First Semi-Final

The 2015 World Cup semi-final between New Zealand and South Africa was a high-stakes encounter, with neither team having reached a World Cup final before. Grant Elliott played the innings of his life, guiding New Zealand to a nail-biting victory. South Africa posted a challenging total, but Elliott’s relentless boundary-hitting in the final overs sealed the win for the Kiwis. This match is remembered for its dramatic finish and the sheer quality of cricket on display.

3. England vs New Zealand: ICC Cricket World Cup Final

The 2019 World Cup final between England and New Zealand is regarded as one of the greatest matches ever played. Both teams, vying for their first World Cup title, played out an extraordinary contest. The match featured freak dismissals, incredible strokes of luck, and relentless pressure. Ben Stokes once again proved to be England’s savior, guiding them to a tie. The winner was eventually decided by the boundary count rule, a gut-wrenching result for New Zealand, who technically never lost. This final provided edge-of-the-seat entertainment and showcased the essence of cricket.

2. Australia vs South Africa: Fifth ODI, Johannesburg

In 2006, the fifth ODI between Australia and South Africa set new standards for high-scoring cricket. Australia posted a then-record total of 434 runs, led by Ricky Ponting’s blistering 164. South Africa’s response, spearheaded by Herschel Gibbs’ remarkable 175, saw them chase down the target in a thrilling finish. This match, which saw the record for the highest ODI total broken twice, is considered a precursor to the aggressive style of play that defines modern-day cricket.

1. India vs Pakistan: Australasia Cup Final

Topping our list is the 1986 Australasia Cup final between arch-rivals India and Pakistan. This match is iconic for Javed Miandad’s last-ball six, which secured a dramatic victory for Pakistan. The match saw contrasting strategies from both teams, with India’s controlled aggression pitted against Pakistan’s unpredictable style. The final over, with India needing one wicket and Pakistan needing a boundary, culminated in Miandad’s historic six. This unforgettable moment is considered a gift from God by Miandad himself and remains one of the most celebrated in cricket history.

Honorable Mentions

• India vs Pakistan, First Test, Chennai: Pakistan’s breathtaking victory despite Sachin Tendulkar’s century.
• India vs Sri Lanka, First ODI, Rajkot: Sri Lanka’s narrow miss of chasing 414 runs.
• India vs Pakistan, ICC T20 World Cup Final: Misbah-ul-Haq’s ill-timed scoop handing India the win.
• England vs West Indies, ICC Champions Trophy Final: West Indies’ tail-enders defying the English attack.
• Bangladesh vs India, Nidahas Trophy Final: Dinesh Karthik’s last-ball six snatching victory for India.

Cricket continues to provide moments of pure magic, and these matches are a testament to the sport’s enduring appeal. Each game on this list is a celebration of skill, strategy, and the indomitable spirit of cricket. Whether you're a fan of high-scoring thrillers or nail-biting finishes, these matches have set the benchmark for what makes cricket the captivating sport it is today.