Cricket World Cup History: 5 most memorable finals

The ICC World Cup is considered as the mega-event of cricket not only because it takes place once in every four years but also that the strongest teams of the world send out their mightiest squads to compete at the tournament. It is a dream of every cricketer to represent his nation at the World Cup and the ones who make it to the World Cup desire to reach the finals.

The final of the ICC World Cup is one of the most watched sports events in history hence, every player wishes to emerge as the hero of their country by helping them win the holy grail.

In the 11 editions of the World Cup conducted thus far, 7 teams have been successful in qualifying for the final whereas only 5 teams can call themselves World Cup winners. In this article, we will have a look at the 5 most memorable finals in World Cup history:

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#5 Australia vs West Indies, 1975 World Cup final

Clive Lloyd slammed a century in the first World Cup final

The first ever World Cup was held in the 60-overs format where Australia and West Indies bettered all the other teams to make it to the final. West Indies batted first and scored 291/8 in 60 overs, thanks to a Clive Lloyd century. GJ Gilmour picked a 5-wicket haul to become the pick of the bowlers for Australia.

Chasing 292, the Aussie captain, Ian Chappell played a brilliant knock of 62 runs but his best efforts could not take his team over the line as they fell short by 17 runs in the end. KD Boyce's 4-wicket haul played a huge role in determining the outcome of the match.

#4 Pakistan vs England, 1992 World Cup final

Pakistan got their hands on the World Cup in 1992

Pakistan reached their first ever World Cup final in the year 1992 and they were up against a mighty England side at Melbourne. The Asian giants batted first and captain Imran Khan led from the front as they scored 249/6 in 50 overs. A quick cameo from Wasim Akram at the end of innings provided the much-needed momentum boost for Pakistan.

In reply, the Englishmen were reduced to 69/4 thanks to the fantastic display of pace bowling from the Pakistani pacers. Neil Fairbrother and Allan Lamb stabilized the English innings but their lower middle order could not take the team to victory once that partnership ended, thanks to a splendid spell by Wasim Akram.

Pakistan won their first ever World Cup after defeating England by 22 runs and became the second Asian country after India to win the ICC World Cup.

#3 India vs West Indies, 1983 World Cup final

India won its first World Cup under Kapil Dev's captaincy

India reached its maiden World Cup final in the year 1983 and the underdogs were all set to square up with the two-time defending champions, West Indies. Nobody gave India a chance despite the fact that they had performed well in the initial stages of the tourney. However, on the day of the finale, the Indian team silenced every critic by winning the World Cup.

India batted first in the big game but none of the batsmen were able to cross the 30-run mark. Sandeep Patil was the top-scorer of the innings with 27 runs. Sir Andy Roberts picked a 3-wicket haul for the West Indies.

Chasing a modest target of 184 runs in 60 overs, the West Indies got off to a good start as they reached the 50-run mark at the loss of just one wicket. However, Amarnath and Madan Lal's tremendous bowling skills helped the Indian team dismiss the remaining West Indies batsmen for the addition of just 90 runs.

#2 Australia vs England, 1987 World Cup final

1987 Cricket World Cup Final: Australia v England

For the first time in World Cup history, the tournament was staged outside England. India and Pakistan were the co-hosts of the 1987 World Cup but none of the two hosting countries could make it to the final of the World Cup. Australia and England clashed in the finale at the Eden Gardens as the cricket world was set to crown a new champion.

Australia batted first in the final of the first ever 50-over World Cup. David Boon's 75 took Australia to 253/5 in their 50 overs. Set a target of 254, the Englishmen looked set to win their maiden World Cup trophy as they reached very close to the target. However, the tail-enders could not score the required runs as England lost by 7 runs.

This remains to be the slenderest victory margin in the history of World Cup history.

#1 India vs Sri Lanka, 2011 World Cup final

India v Sri Lanka - 2011 ICC World Cup Final

The entire nation of India was talking about only one thing, the World Cup final as MS Dhoni's Men In Blue entered the Wankhede Stadium to battle Sri Lanka on 2nd April 2011. Mahela Jayawardene tried to dent the Indian dreams by scoring a hundred and helping his team reach the score of 274/6 in 50 overs.

In the 2nd innings, Sachin Tendulkar and Virender Sehwag departed early but the Delhi duo of Virat Kohli and Gautam Gambhir stabilized the innings. MS Dhoni and Gambhir's solid half-centuries took the Indian team with the former sealing the deal with a maximum off Nuwan Kulasekara's delivery.

India won their first World Cup after 28 years in 2011 and this year, Virat Kohli's men will try to win their third World Cup trophy as the Indian team kicks off its campaign against South Africa on 5th June.