The ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 held in England saw some stupendous performances by players of all countries. There were quite a few firsts too. Over the seven weeks, cricket fans got to indulge in a polished as well as a potent demonstration of what we love most about this game. Here’s looking at ICC World Cup top matches:
- India vs Afghanistan – India managed to turn the low-scoring match to its advantage against Afghanistan, encouraging fans to believe that the ‘men in blue’ were moving towards the coveted trophy quite aggressively. India beat Afghanistan by 11 runs against a dismal score of 224 runs at the Rose Bowl Cricket ground in Southampton. Cricket fans were of the opinion that although India began on a slow note when it came to bat, the boys managed to pull out the game in the last overs when it came to chase a low score. Watch the Highlights of the Match from the Official ICC World Cup’s YouTube channel –
- India vs New Zealand – In the first semi-final of ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, the top-order of India’s cricket team unfortunately witnessed a collapse as New Zealand was swift and agile enough to survive a counter-attack by Ravindra Jadeja. Eventually, New Zealand made its way to victory by 18 runs at the Old Trafford in Manchester. The ‘Men in Blue’ failed in their top-order and could make only 221 in 49.3 overs in the pursuit of 240. The biggest irony was Dhoni’s run-out in what was possibly his last international innings. Watch the Highlights of the Match from the Official ICC World Cup’s YouTube channel –
- New Zealand vs West Indies – Talking about the top five matches of the World Cup 2019, New Zealand secured its position in the World Cup 2019, by holding off a delayed batting onslaught from Carlos Brathwaite. West Indies was eventually defeated by a very close margin of 5 runs. Brathwaite scored 101 from 82 balls as the last 3 wickets of West Indies got a combined score of 122 runs. Trent Boult of New Zealand got four wickets, prior to which, Kane Williamson’s and Ross Taylor’s partnership of 148 and 160 runs carried New Zealand to a decent 291-8. Watch the Highlights of the Match from the Official ICC World Cup’s YouTube channel –
- Afghanistan vs Pakistan – Amongst the top 5 matches of the ICC World Cup 2019 teams, sports enthusiasts were treated to a high-spirited performance by Afghanistan in this match, but Pakistan walked away as the champion of this exciting match. Held at Headingley, this World Cup 2019 clash saw Pakistan clinching its target of 228 in the final over of the contest, when there were only 2 balls to spare. Their pursuit of the finishing line was reached after quite a struggle, involving a loss of 7 wickets. The men who deserve maximum credit for this win of ICC World Cup top matches are seamer Shaheen Afridi and left-arm spinner Imad Wasim. Afghanistan, however, won hearts with their performance in this match. Watch the Highlights of the Match from the Official ICC World Cup’s YouTube channel –
- New Zealand vs England – When it comes to ICC World Cup top five matches, the final match that made England the first-time winners of the World Cup, was quite a thrilling watch for cricket-lovers. They emerged to be world champions after tying with New Zealand on 241 each, following their respective 50 overs. In the super-over shootout, they both scored 15, but England gained an edge by hitting more boundaries in their 50 overs. Man of the Match Ben Stokes was no less than a hero for England, having struck 15 from the final over of the regular innings, including an incredible six by way of four overthrows. Watch the Highlights of the Match from the Official ICC World Cup’s YouTube channel –