Cricket is more than just a sport—it’s a canvas of emotion, strategy, and unforgettable drama that unites fans across borders. Over the decades, the game has gifted us with heart-stopping finishes, heroic comebacks, and moments that etched themselves into the soul of every cricket lover. Whether it was a last-ball thriller, a record-breaking chase, or an underdog rising against the odds, these matches went beyond scores—they told stories. Here’s a countdown of the 10 most memorable cricket matches that left the world spellbound
PART - 1
#10. Australia vs West Indies, 1999 Antigua Test: Brian Lara's unbeaten 153 & the tail-enders heroics led West Indies to a memorable one-wicket victory
Series : Australia vs West Indies – Frank Worrell Trophy 1998–99
Match : Australia vs West Indies – 3rd of 4 Match Test Series
Venue : Kensington Oval, Barbados
Australia Take the Stage
The series was tied at 1–1. Momentum swung with every delivery. At Kensington Oval, the Australians came in with purpose — to dominate, dictate, and shut down the Caribbean.
They did just that. Justin Langer opened with punch and poise. Ricky Ponting, the boy genius, made a stylish 105. And then Steve Waugh, cricket’s iron man, batted like time owed him a favor — 199, agonizingly short of a double hundred. Australia posted a colossal 490 all out. Every West Indian heart sank just a little.
“It felt like the Test was over before it began,” one fan would say later.
West Indian Collapse and the Campbell-Jacobs Revival
West Indies walked in battered by the scoreboard and soon, the Aussie pacers brought West Indies to their knees as they were 98 for 6. The home side was disintegrating. But then — Sherwin Campbell, the quiet opener, stood tall. And alongside him, Ridley Jacobs, the gritty keeper, fought tooth and nail.
Together, they added 153 runs. Not flashy, but fierce. Campbell carved a stoic 105, soaking up pressure like a sponge. Jacobs, with 68, was the shield. The goal? Avoid the follow-on.
Every run was cheered like a victory. Every dot ball silenced the Oval. They did it. 329 all out. Just enough. Australia led by 161, but the West Indies had a pulse again.
Walsh Unleashes the Storm
When Australia returned to bat, they expected to pile on. But the Oval had shifted. Enter Courtney Walsh — tall, relentless, poetic rage in motion. In one of his most masterful spells, Walsh tore through the Aussie middle order, claiming 5 wickets. Australia crumbled to 146 all out. Shane Warne was their top scorer with just 32.
“This wasn’t reverse swing or mystery. It was raw willpower.”
West Indies needed 308 to win.
The Final Chase — Lara vs The World
It was the final innings of the match, and perhaps of West Indies’ cricketing soul. A generation fading. Glory slipping. The chase began smoothly — 69 without loss. But then, the tension began to grip. Glenn McGrath removed Campbell.
The middle order crumbled. At 105 for 5, the game was Australia’s to lose. And then came Brian Lara. He didn’t walk to the crease. He marched.
The state government declared a public holiday — Barbados wasn’t missing this. The stands were bursting. Radios blared in villages.
Lara began the rebuild with Jimmy Adams. At 200 for 5, hope flickered. Then McGrath fired a bouncer straight at Lara’s helmet. It cracked hard. Lara stared him down.
“You want to win this? You’ll have to kill me first.”
The crowd erupted. Every bouncer thrown was returned with resistance. Not bravado — bravery. Adams fell. Then a flurry of wickets.
Twists & Turns with Lara & the tail-enders standing like heroes between Australia & a win
254 for 8. Lara 80+, out of partners. Curtly Ambrose joined him. The scoreboard crawled.
301 for 8. Then… Lara edged one. Straight to slips. Dropped! Ian Healy spilled it.
Two runs later — Ambrose fell. West Indies were reeling at 302 for 9. One wicket left. 6 to win.
Courtney Walsh, helmet askew, pads barely on, walked in like a soldier on his final march. Australia tightened the field. Lara took singles. Walsh blocked. He survived.
Then… the scores were level. Lara saw width. He leaned in. The ball kissed the turf through covers…
FOUR !! Victory !! Barbados exploded.
The ground was stormed by the spectators. One of the most memorable matches ever, ended like a thriller.
Some more details of from this epic match:
Have a look at the detailed full match scorecard here!
Full Match Highlights
Brian Lara's Fighting Knock
#9. Australia vs. England, Headingley Test, 2019 Ashes: Ben Stokes’ heroic innings led England to an improbable victory
Series : England vs Australia – Ashes Trophy 2019 (England)
Match : England vs Australia – 3rd of 5-Match Test Series
Venue : Headingley, England
There are cricket matches — and then there are cricket miracles. The third Ashes Test of 2019 at Headingley wasn’t just a contest between England and Australia; it was a story of redemption, resilience, and the relentless drama that only Test cricket can provide. What unfolded on the lush green of Leeds will forever be etched in cricketing folklore.
The Build-Up: Ashes on the Line
2019 Ashes was part of the ICC World Test Championship. The series was tied 1-1 heading into the 3rd Test at Headingley, Leeds. Australia had dominated the 1st Test at Edgbaston. The 2nd Test at Lord’s was drawn. So, this Test was a crucial decider — Australia could take a 2-0 lead and retain the Ashes in England for the first time since 2001.
Australia entered the Test leading the series 1-0, with one hand already on the Ashes urn. England, having been bowled out for 67 in their first innings — their lowest Ashes total since 1948 — seemed dead and buried. Few gave them a chance. But Ben Stokes had other plans.
The Heroic Defense: England Chasing 359
Chasing a daunting 359 in the fourth innings — the highest ever at Headingley — England found themselves at 286/9. The match looked done. The Aussies were already eyeing a 2-0 lead and a successful Ashes defense.
Enter the most astonishing 1-wicket stand in modern Test history.
Ben Stokes’ Knock of the Century
Ben Stokes, fresh off his World Cup heroics, unleashed an innings that defied logic and pressure. With Jack Leach at the other end scoring just 1 run, Stokes farmed the strike and smashed a jaw-dropping 135 off 219 balls*, including 11 fours and 8 sixes.
Ice-cold nerves
He ramped, reverse-swept, and scooped with the confidence of a man scripting his own legend.
The Final Moments: Drama Beyond Words
The game reached fever pitch: Nathan Lyon missed a crucial run-out chance.
An LBW shout against Stokes was turned down — and Australia had no reviews left.
The crowd went from silent despair to thunderous joy within minutes.
With a crunching four through the covers, Stokes sealed one of England’s most iconic wins and kept the Ashes alive.
“I’ve seen some remarkable cricket moments in my life. This is the best ever.” — Michael Vaughan
Some highlights from this epic match:
Full Match Highlights
The Epic Final Day Highlights
#8. India vs West Indies – 1983 World Cup Final - The Day Underdogs Became World Champions
Series : World Cup 1983 – England
Match : India vs West Indies – 1983 World Cup Final
Venue : Lord’s, England | Date: June 25, 1983
“We weren’t supposed to win. That’s why we did.” — Kapil Dev
Setting the Scene: Lords of the Game vs Lords of the Unexpected
In 1983, India weren’t just underdogs — they were written off before the first ball was bowled. Winning a single match seemed far-fetched. Winning the World Cup? Pure fantasy. With 66/1 odds, the team was seen as just another passenger in a tournament West Indies were tipped to dominate again.
West Indies had won back-to-back World Cups in 1975 and 1979. Their squad — featuring Viv Richards, Clive Lloyd, Malcolm Marshall, Joel Garner, and Andy Roberts — was as menacing as any ever assembled.
India, on the other hand, had never even made it past the group stage before.
This was David vs Goliath. Only, David didn’t just win — he rewrote the script for Indian cricket.
Kapil’s Devils: A Campaign of Surprises
India’s road to the final had already been a fairytale.
Kapil Dev’s iconic 175 vs Zimbabwe* rescued India from 17/5 — a knock considered the spark that lit the fire. Wins over Australia and England in the knockout stages further underlined their grit.
By the time India reached Lord’s, something had changed. Not just belief — destiny.
First Innings: The 183 That Shook the World
Batting first against the most fearsome pace battery in the world, India scraped to just 183 all out. Top scorer was Kris Srikkanth with his brave contribution of 38 with 7 fours and 1 six, against the feared West Indian pace batalion.
Sandeep Patil was the second highest, with 27 runs. India were bowled out in 54.4 overs, and most thought it was over. Andy Roberts took 3 wickets, while Malcom Marshall, Michael Holding and Larry Gomes took 2 wickets each.
But 183 would prove to be one of the most golden numbers in Indian cricketing folklore.
The Turning Point: Kapil’s Catch That Changed Everything
West Indies began their chase steadily, and Viv Richards looked ominous. Then came Kapil Dev’s iconic running catch at deep mid-wicket, covering a stunning amount of ground to dismiss Richards for 33.
It wasn’t just a wicket. It was the moment the tide turned.
“Once Richards was gone, we believed we had a chance.” — Mohinder Amarnath
Bowling Masterclass: India Tightens the Noose
India’s bowlers, led by Madan Lal (3/31) and Mohinder Amarnath (3/12, plus 26 with the bat, and the Man of the Match award) squeezed the life out of the Windies.
Wickets kept falling. The scoreboard crawled. West Indies were bowled out for 140, stunned, and silent.
India Were World Champions
The unthinkable had happened. Kapil Dev lifted the trophy on the balcony of Lord’s, and a billion dreams began to take shape.
“This win changed Indian cricket forever.” — Sunil Gavaskar
Legacy: More Than a Trophy
It marked the beginning of India’s cricketing revolution.
Inspired a generation of cricketers, including Sachin Tendulkar, who watched in awe as a 10-year-old.
Commercial interest and fan support exploded post-1983, setting the stage for India to become the powerhouse of global cricket.
Some highlights from this epic match:
Full Match Highlights
This was the end of Part -1 ! Have a look at the cricket matches that we have ranked as top 7 in Parts 2 & 3, using the below buttons.
