Do you remember these incredible Cricket World Cup moments?
The Cricket World Cup has delivered some truly special moments over the years, with the best of the best in One Day International cricket battling it out to get their hands on the coveted trophy. Here are some of the very best moments from the past editions.
Chasing 327 against England in 2011, Ireland looked all but out of the contest when Kevin O’Brien walked to the crease. 113 runs from 63 deliveries later and the Irish reigned supreme, a truly incredible display of individual brilliance.
Dwayne Leverock managed to make himself a legend of the game back in 2007 as the big man from Bermuda dove to his right and snagged an incredible catch against India.
Another incredible moment of individual skill as the South African-born Elliott blasted 84 from 74 to beat South Africa in a World Cup semi-final in front of a packed house at Eden Park, sending the home team New Zealand through to the final.
One of the all-time greats of South African cricket, Gibbs was the first player to hit six sixes in an over in international cricket as South Africa demolished the Netherlands in 2007.
Shoaib Akhtar will be forever remembered as the first bowler to officially top 100mph. It came in the 2003 edition of the World Cup against England, with batter Nick Knight nonchalantly knocking it into the leg side.
The 2011 World Cup was mostly a dire experience for England fans and when they were set 339 to win against India, it only looked to be getting worse. A sparkling 158 from Andrew Strauss led to a rare tie, not someone you expect to be doing the damage in white ball cricket!
South Africa and World Cups is not a combination that has worked especially well for the most part (more to come there). This was never more obvious than in 1992 with DLS conspiring to leave the Proteas needing a farcical 21 from one ball.
The 2015 World Cup saw the two host nations meeting in the final. New Zealand had already beaten Australia in the group stages so a close contest was expected. Enter Mitchell Starc, knocking over the Kiwi captain Brendon McCullum in the first over and all but ending the contest there and then.
The first edition of the Cricket World Cup came in 1975 with the West Indies comfortably the best team in the world. The final saw them play Australia and a sensational ton from Clive Lloyd was enough to see the Windies take home the trophy.
The 2003 World Cup was not without its controversies, England refusing to travel to Zimbabwe being one a notable one. Another was when Olonga and Flower took to the field wearing black armbands to “mourn the death of democracy” in Zimbabwe, a move that saw Olonga charged with treason.
Australia won the 2007 World Cup in dominating fashion, felling all opponents with relative ease. The final against Sri Lanka was no different with opening bat Adam Gilchrist smashing a remarkable 149 from 104 balls, using a squash ball in his glove to help his grip.
There was no guarantee Australia were going to overcome India in the 2003 World Cup final but the doubts were put to rest after the Aussies put on 359 for 2 from their 50 overs. Ricky Ponting’s sumptuous 140 included 4 fours and 8 sixes!
The 1999 World Cup semi-final between South Africa and Australia hinged on two moments. One was Herschelle Gibbs “dropping the World Cup” when he shelled Steve Waugh, and the second was the calamitous run out after they needed one run to win from four balls. Lance Kluesner and Allan Donald ended up at one end and the ball the other to send the Aussies through.
India looked behind the eight-ball for a lot of their chase in the 2011 final, that was until MS Dhoni walked the crease. His 91* was the stuff of legends, sealing the win with a huge six over long-on. What a player and what a moment.
There are few games in the history of professional sport as dramatic as the 2019 Cricket World Cup final. From Stokes’ incredible innings to Jimmy Neesham’s Super Over heroics, there was nothing to separate the sides after 51 overs apiece (apart from barely known technicalities). The final ball run out and England's celebrations will live long in the memory.