10 magical moments in World Cup history
With the World Cup only a few days away, it’s time to get nostalgic and relive some of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history. Read on!
1. ‘That’ six
A billion people erupted with joy when MS Dhoni hit arguably the most celebrated six in Indian cricket’s history.
2. ‘That’ catch
The nation held its breath when Viv Richards scooped Madan Lal over midwicket in the 1983 final, thinking it would probably clear the rope. But Kapil Dev ran back all the way from his position and caught hold of the ball, and presumably the World Cup.
3. ‘That’ suicidal single
With 1 needed from 4 balls, Lance Klusener hit the ball straight to mid-off and inexplicably decided to go for a suicidal single. Allan Donald at the other end seemed clueless and by the time he realised his mistake and took off, it was all too late. South Africa had choked at the big stage, yet again.
4. The greatest walk ever
A brisk start had helped the Aussies to 34 for no loss in the first 5 overs of the 2003 semi-final against Sri Lanka. Hoping to break the opening stand, Jayasuriya made a bowling change and brought on De Silva. Gilly looked to sweep him towards square leg, but the ball popped up and landed in Sangakkara’s gloves. Despite a strong appeal, umpire Rudi Koertzen did not move. What happened next would blow Stuart Broad’s mind.
5. ‘That’ upper-cut
We’ve all cheered every time an Indian batsman has taken a Pakistani bowler apart, but nothing gave us more joy than watching Sachin lift the Rawalpindi express over third man during their memorable 2003 encounter.
6. Superman on the cricket field
The name Jonty Rhodes became synonymous with stunning catches and acrobatic fielding after the world witnessed this wonderful moment in 1992.
7. Rain vs the Proteas
The World Cup hasn’t been too kind to the South Africans. Their first encounter with bad luck came in their first campaign after cricketing exile in 1992. In the semi-final against England, the Proteas were sailing towards the target when rain stopped play and their reset target was a virtual improbability.
8. When the World Cup was dropped
When Herschelle Gibbs dropped Steve Waugh during the early stages of the 1999 World Cup, the aussie skipper allegedly said to him, ‘You just dropped the World Cup, mate,’ or something on similar lines at least. Waugh played a match-winnings innings and the victory helped Australia to a spot above the Proteas in the Super Six, which was essentially what helped them qualify for the final after a thrilling draw in the semi-final.
9. A big man with a big catch
When Dwayne Leverock leapt to his right and nearly lifted his 280lb body off the ground to dismiss Robin Uthappa, the Bermuda fans in the crowed celebrated as if they had just won the World Cup. It was unexpected, unbelievable and spectacular in more ways than one.
10. The perfect send-off
The phrase ‘digging your own grave’ came literally true for Aamer Sohail when he smashed Venkatesh Prasad through the covers during a 1996 World Cup and taunted the bowler, pointing the bat towards the direction in which the ball had travelled. But he got a taste of his own medicine on the very next delivery when a deadly Prasad yorker destroyed his off-stump.
