Many consider ODIs as a format which is on the decline but once, it had its charm and many games were played in a year. It is not the case right now but, in the past, we have seen many thrillers. India have been a powerhouse in this format and even were at the top of the rankings for a while. They have had captains such as Kapil Dev, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli who have done wonders for the country in this format of the game. Here we have a look at India’s greatest ODI wins in the history of cricket. So…
1. India vs Zimbabwe (1983 World Cup) –
In the World Cup wherein India created history, there was one game where India were in serious trouble but still won. In a clash against Zimbabwe, the Indians were put into bat and they crumbled to 17 for 5 before their captain, Kapil Dev played one of the finest knocks that this world has ever seen. He scored 175 runs and took India to a match-winning score. Zimbabwe eventually failed to chase down the target and India came back with a bang.
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2. World Cup final against West Indies (1983) –
Before the mega event in 1983, India were considered as the underdogs and no one would have thought that they will go on to win the event. India reached the final after a fine performance in the group stages but they were up against West Indies who were undoubtedly the best side in that time. India scored just 183 in their 60 overs (yes, in the 1983 World Cup, ODIs comprised of 60 overs per innings). West Indies were the favourites but Indian bowlers did not give up. Every bowler did their job and who would forget the catch of Kapil Dev to dismiss Sir Vivian Richards? India won the game eventually and etched its name in history.
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3. India vs Australia (1998, Coca Cola Trophy final) –
This was the series when Sachin Tendulkar took the world by storm. He was in amazing form and not even the great Shane Warne was spared. Tendulkar had already scored 144 against the Aussies to help India reach the final. In the final game, India needed 273 to win which was not going to be easy. But Tendulkar once again came to the fore as hit a majestic 134 and India eventually managed to chase down the score.
4. India vs England (2002 Natwest trophy final) –
Who doesn’t remember this match? This match was remembered for two things. 1 – Mohammad Kaif’s and Yuvraj Singh’s heroics and 2 – Sourav Ganguly removing his shirt at the Lord’s balcony. After putting England to bat first on a good batting wicket, Marcus Trescothick and Nasser Hussain went on a rampage as both scored magnificent centuries to help the hosts reach 325 in their fifty overs. In reply, India got off to a terrific start as Virender Sehwag and Sourav Ganguly stitched a 100-run stand for the first wicket. But, India lost 5 wickets in quick time and were put on the back foot. That is when, two youngsters in the form of Yuvraj Singh and Mohammad Kaif came together and displayed a terrific show of batting. Yuvraj fell but Kaif continued and took India home in the last over.
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5. India vs Australia (CB series final 2008) –
India had never won an ODI series in Australia and they finally achieved it in 2008. After a grueling Test series, India faced Australia and Sri Lanka in a tri-series. India along with the hosts reached the final. In the first of three finals, Sachin Tendulkar who was out of form in that series, came back with a fine century to help India beat the hosts. In the second game, India posted a decent score on the board and then their bowlers came to the party as Praveen Kumar blew the Aussie top order. James Hopes kept the hopes alive for Australia but Irfan Pathan took the wicket which gave India an historic win.
6. India vs Sri Lanka (2011 World Cup) -
India were without a World Cup win for 28 years and that dream was fulfilled in Mumbai in 2011. India had a near perfect group stage when they lost only to South Africa. They were facing the Lankans in the final and were put under pressure as Sri Lanka posted 275 in their 50 overs with Jayawardene scored a fine century. India lost Sachin and Sehwag early but Gautam Gambhir played a fine knock of 97 and it was Dhoni with a scintillating knock of 91 to take India home. We all can keep watching that six off Nuwan Kulasekara again and again, can’t we?
7. Nidahas Trophy final (2018) –
This match was famous for the rebirth of Dinesh Karthik as an Indian cricketer. Playing against Bangladesh, India were going down, needing 34 in 2 overs. Dinesh Karthik came out and scored 29 in 10 balls which included a six off the final ball of the game. This was one of the best games we had seen and we can watch it again whenever we want.
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