Here, we look at India’s greatest ODI victories in cricket history. India has been a powerhouse in this format, even topping the rankings for a time.
Many consider ODIs to be a dying format, but they once had their allure and many games were played in a year. It is not the case right now, but we have seen many thrillers in the past. India has been a powerhouse in this format, even topping the rankings for a time. Captains such as Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, and Virat Kohli have done wonders for the country in this format. Here is a list of India’s greatest ODI victories in cricket history. So, lets begin
1. India vs Zimbabwe (1983 World Cup)
In the World Cup in which India made history, there was one game in which India was in serious trouble but still won. The Indians were put into bat against Zimbabwe and crumbled to 17 for 5 before their captain, Kapil Dev, played one of the greatest knocks this world has ever seen. He scored 175 runs to lead India to a match-winning total. Zimbabwe eventually failed to capture the target, and India returned with a bang.
2. World Cup Final against West Indies (1983)
World Cup Final against West Indies (1983)
Prior to the mega event in 1983, India was considered the underdog, and no one would have predicted that they would win the event. India advanced to the final after a strong showing in the group stages, but they faced the West Indies, who were unquestionably the best team at the time. India managed only 183 points in 60 overs (yes, in the 1983 World Cup, ODIs comprised of 60 overs per innings). The West Indies were considered the favourites, but Indian bowlers did not give up. Every bowler did their job, and who can forget Kapil Dev’s catch to dismiss Sir Vivian Richards? India eventually won the game and etched its name in history.
3. Coca Cola Trophy Final against Australia (1998)
This was the series in which Sachin Tendulkar shook the world. He was in fantastic form, and not even Shane Warne was safe. Tendulkar had already scored 144 against Australia to help India advance to the final. India needed 273 points to win the final game, which was not going to be easy. But Tendulkar came to the fore once more, hitting a majestic 134, and India eventually managed to chase down the score.
4. India vs England (2002 Natwest Trophy Final)
Who doesn’t recall this game? This game was remembered for two reasons. First, the heroics of Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh, and then Sourav Ganguly removing his shirt on the Lord’s balcony. After England batted first on a good batting wicket, Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain went on a rampage, scoring centuries to help the hosts reach 325 in 50 overs. In response, India got off to a flying start, with Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly putting on a century-run stand for the first wicket. However, India lost 5 wickets in quick succession, putting them on the back foot. That’s when two youngsters, Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif, came together and put on a fantastic batting display. Yuvraj fell, but Kaif persevered and led India to victory in the final over.
5. India vs Australia (CB Series Final 2008)
India had never won an ODI series in Australia before, but they did so in 2008. Following a gruelling Test series, India competed in a tri-series against Australia and Sri Lanka. India, along with the hosts, made it to the final. Sachin Tendulkar, who had been out of form in that series, came back with a fine century to help India defeat the hosts in the first of three finals. In the second game, India scored a decent total, and then their bowlers showed up, as Praveen Kumar blew the Australian top order. Australia’s hopes were revived by James Hopes, but Irfan Pathan took the wicket, giving India a historic victory.
6. India vs Sri Lanka (2011 World Cup)
India had been without a World Cup victory for 28 years before it was realised in Mumbai in 2011. India had a nearly perfect group stage, losing only to South Africa. They faced the Lankans in the final and were put under pressure as Sri Lanka posted 275 in 50 overs, with Jayawardene scoring a century. India lost Sachin and Sehwag early on, but Gautam Gambhir played a fine 97-ball knock, and it was Dhoni’s scintillating 91-ball knock that brought India home. We can all watch that six off Nuwan Kulasekara over and over again, can’t we?
7. Nidahas Trophy Final (2018)
This match was notable for Dinesh Karthik’s rebirth as an Indian cricketer. India were losing to Bangladesh, needing 34 runs in two overs. Dinesh Karthik batted first and scored 29 runs in 10 balls, including a six off the final ball of the game. This was one of the best games we’d ever seen, and we’d love to watch it again.
