Cricket is a sport renowned for producing outstanding matches and absolutely thrilling finishes. While most cricket games end with predictable or logical results, some matches throughout history have concluded with almost unbelievable, miraculous endings.
These matches with incredulous, shocking results and crazy last-ball finishes have etched themselves into cricketing folklore forever.
We propose to revisit 5 examples of the most hard-to-believe, excellent match results in cricket history. Today’s fans can experience these classic games through online replays and highlights as cricket’s popularity grows globally.
Naturally, during almost all legendary matches, online betting did not exist. But it would be intriguing to know how the live bets would have changed on the Gugobet app or other sportsbook sites online.
Unfortunately, we can only make assumptions about that. However, the matches below are a tangible reality and part of history.
We have chosen 5 of the most remarkable matches, although fans will surely remember other significant results as well:
- Australia Snatches Tied Semi-Final (in the unbelievable 1999 World Cup semi-final, Australia tied their match against South Africa and advanced by previously finishing higher in their group)
- India Wins on Last Ball (India claimed a T20 victory by 2 runs against Bangladesh in 2016 thanks to hitting a six off the very final ball)
- Lightning Strikes Twice (South Africa sadly missed the finals both in 1992 and 1999 after freakish rain-affected formulas went against them when well ahead)
- Pakistan Breaks World Record (Pakistan bowled out the West Indies for just 36 runs in 1954, the lowest Test score ever)
- Best Friends Face Off (New Zealand beat Australia to win the 2015 World Cup final in an iconic Trans Tasman showdown)
However, let’s return to the main stars of this material.
India Defeats Australia by 1 Run (1986)
This 1986 ODI between India and Australia had a photo finish. Chasing 247, Australia looked comfortable at 218-9. But the wickets tumbled, and needed 4 runs off the final ball.
Australian tailender Bob Taylor hit a four but was run out going for the second run. India incredibly won by just 1 run off the very last ball.
Fans were stunned by this unbelievably close game.
The Greatest Tie in Cricket History (1986)
A few matches ended with a tie in cricket history. So this 1986 Australia vs India Test was astonishing. Australia set India 247 runs to win. India ended 247-8 when the last man Maninder Singh was bowled on the final ball. Both teams finished on identical scores in a freakish dead heat.
This first-ever tied Test showed anything is possible in cricket — the tiny odds of a perfect tie amazed fans.
Canada Tames ‘Mighty’ West Indies (1979)
In 1979, lowly Canada delivered one of cricket’s biggest upsets. They beat the dominating West Indies in a World Cup warmup match. The Calypso Kings lost by 8 wickets to part-timers Canada after posting a large 266 runs. It was the first ODI win ever by Canada over a Test side.
No one expected this huge upset by underdogs Canada. The West Indies walked off in shame.
South Africa’s Last Ball Thriller (1999)
This 1999 World Cup semi-final ended unbelievably. South Africa needed just 1 run to win off the final ball, with last man Allan Donald on strike. But Donald was controversially run-out on the very last ball, tying the scores. Australia progressed due to previous points.
South Africa seemed sure to win before the crazy final ball. The heartbreaking defeat left fans dumbfounded.
England Squeaks Home by 1 Wicket (2019)
At 2019’s World Cup Final, England chased New Zealand’s 241 runs. Needing 15 off the last over, it came down to 3 needed from 2 balls. An unbelievable overthrow gave England 6 runs. England ultimately won on the last ball by just 1 wicket or tiebreaker rules.
No one could believe England won by the absolute slimmest margin in a chaotic end to the tournament.
Watching the Magic Unfold
These crazy match endings prove cricket delivers the most thrilling results. Fans have seen breathtaking 1 run wins, freak ties, and massive upsets. Which fantastic match will be next? As cricket betting grows more popular, more fans can experience unbelievable finishes like these classics.
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