Harsh Thakor Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 The cricket world cup is the Blue Riband event of one day Cricket and the final has an atmosphere of an Olympic mile final.It has often amounted to the clash of the titans like a duel in a boxing ring.In order of merit these are my best world cup finals . 1.1975-West Indies v.Australia To me the best of all world cup finals was the 1975 match between West Indies and Australia.It had all the ingredients of a perfect cricket match with batting ,bowling and fielding at it's classic best and had the twists,turns and climax of a Hollywood thriller.Clive Lloyd's s century of 82 balls was possibly the best century ever scored in world cup.He simply devoured the ball hammer and tongs.I have rarely seen a more majestic exhibition of strokeplay .Lloyd treated the bowling with contempt rarely seen in International cricket and his driving,hooking cutting and pulling resembled a commander in full control of his batallion.Few cricket matches have had a better atmosphere.The turning point was Viv Richard's sensational runouts.What gave the final icing to the cake was the 41run last wicket stand between Lillee and Thomson.Above all cricket won the day. 2.1987-England v.Australia The next best final was to me the 1987 Reliance cup final between England and Australia that resembled an Ashes contest.Till the last 2 overs any result was possible but Australia were the clear favourites.Defreitas's onslaught scoring 15 runs in the 48th over with 35 still needed ressurected the game. 3.1983-India v West Indies Here David conquered the Goliath.It was one of sport's greatest upsets and few sporting contests ever displayed how spirit could overcome all adversity.After Viv Richard's wicket at 57-3 the game had the twists and turns of a Holywood thriller.Inspite of a low scoring game we saw cricket at it's best.I can't forget Shrikanth's cavalier 38 , Viv Richard's mercurial 33,and Balwinder Singh Sandhu's delivery which Greenidge shouldered arms too and was bowled through the gate.Never seen as much spirit in a cricket match like a spark turning into a priarie fire. 4.1979-England v.West Indies The batting of Viv Richards with Collis King and the bolwing of Joel Garner ripped the heart out of opponents,England.Till Gooch was batting England smelled a sniff of achance with about 12 overs to go. 5.1992-England v Pakistan Wasim Akram's lethal bowling put the final nail in the coffin.It was disappointing that England caved in so meekly but til Alan Lamb was batting were still in the game.Also worthy contributions from Inzamam Ul Haq and Imran Khan with the bat as well as a cameo from Wasim Akram. 6.2011-India v Sri Lanka Dhoni and Gambhir executed epics.Few finals witnessed as much intensity and organization of run -chase.Great atmosphere. 7.1996-Sri Lanka v Australia I enjoyed the classical counter attack- Aravinda De'Silva who enabled the Lankans to coast home. 8.2007-Sri Lanka v Australia The 2007 final between Sri Lanka and Australia although it was reduced to a 25 over game.Sri Lanka made a fight of what looked an impossible target.Gilchrist's batting created the impact of a bomber attacking an airbase. I hardly enjoyed the 1999 and 2003 final as Australia overpowered it's oponents like a Ferrari car passing a two-wheeler.Infact in 1999 we were robbed of classic game with Pakistan just not themselves on the day.
SLICKR392 Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 2011- because I watched it live and my team won.
Crookbond Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 1983 - rest all are bit one sided i guess 1987 was the closest WC final EVER
CoverDrive Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 1979 was one sided with Boycott's tuk tuk. Llloyd deliberately dropped him to keep him playing 2011 for me with Home team winning and captain hitting six to end after a really tough chase 1983 was second as it was the most amazing comeback ever in a big final
bulbul Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 1987 was the closest WC final EVER Yes :giggle:
bowl_out Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 1975, 83, 87, 2011 - very good 1979, 92, 96 - average 1999, 2003, 07 - worst, one sided, boring
bowl_out Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 On a side note, which is the best looking world cup trophy? 75, 79, 83 - 87 - 92 - 96 99, 03, 07, 11, 15
bowl_out Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 Wonder why the trophy design is a permanent one... Could have been a unique design for each year... Guess they wanted to follow FIFA or Oscar to have a permanent design
Number Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 1983 was the greatest. A low scoring thriller in which spirited underdogs beat the favorites. Can't get better.
Sonix768 Posted January 30, 2015 Posted January 30, 2015 I don't think 2007 finals was close. SL needed 282 from 38 which is 7.42 RRR. The best position they ever had was when they were 120-1 in 19 overs, which still reads RRR 8.52, against the best bowling side. After that they have regularly lost which and was something about 190-7 in 32 overs.
akshayxyz Posted January 31, 2015 Posted January 31, 2015 1975, 83, 87, 2011 - very good 1979, 92, 96 - average 1999, 2003, 07 - worst, one sided, boring Another term for that - dominance - of the clearly best team.
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