5. Australia VS Bangladesh, NatWest Series.
Cardiff, 18th June 2005
Man of the Match: Mohammed Ashraful (BAN)
The underdogs scripted what possibly is the biggest upset in cricket history by defeating the world champions with 5 wickets in hand. Not only that, this game also gave hope to the future of Bangladesh cricket through Mohammed Ashraful. The 21 year old middle order batsman from Dhaka showed immense class and potential against the mighty Aussies and took his country across the finish line.
4. Australia VS India, Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Kolkata, March 2001
2nd Innings – IND 657-7 dec. (178) AUS 212 (68.3)
Man of the Match: VVS Laxman
The greatest test match in the history of Indian cricket. And why is that so? Harbhajan Singh gets a tally of 13 wickets in the game with a hat-trick in the first innings. Laxman and Dravid put on a stand of 376 runs to pull India away from an innings defeat at home and gave a lead of 383 runs. Only the third time in the history of the game a team went on to win a test match after being forced to follow on. Dada’s men did it in style with a hat-trick, a double hundred and a 350+ partnership. Statistically, VVS Laxman is the most successful batsman in tests against Australia.
3. Australia VS South Africa
Johannesburg, 12th March 2006
Man of the Match: Herschelle Gibbs and Ricky Ponting.
The first ever ODI in which not only one, but both the teams managed a score of above 400. People were amazed that a score of 400 was achievable in one day internationals. They had already written off RSA. Sure enough South Africa managed to chase the mighty total of 434 with one wicket in hand. This game also boasts of the highest ever run chase in the history of One day cricket. A good day for batsmen, a horrible day for bowlers. It would be unfair if I forget to mention the brilliant cameo played by Mark Boucher. His 50 off 43 balls was a crucial aspect of the greatest run chase in cricket history.
2. Ireland VS England, World Cup.
Bangalore, 2nd March 2011
Man of the Match: Kevin O’Brien
With England constantly poaching talent from Ireland and Ed Joyce back into the Ireland side there was enough tension between the teams entering into the game. England had already qualified into the next stage and hence this game was just a matter of pride for the Englishmen. Unfortunately, the England side was stunned by an excellent all round display of cricket by the Irish side. In spite of a bad start, The Irish middle order led by Kevin O’Brien sealed the deal for Ireland. Adding insult to injury was a horrendous fielding display by England. The team lacked communication or co-ordination of any sorts and gave Ireland the biggest win of their cricket careers.
1. India VS Pakistan, Rothman’s Four Nations Cup.
Sharjah, 22nd March 1985
Man of the Match: Imran Khan
India VS Pakistan at Sharjah. One does not have to further stress upon the intensity and the seriousness of the match. Pakistan having bundled India for a meagre 125 runs were clearly in the driver’s seat at the between innings interval. A fiery Imran Khan destroyed the Indian batting line up and the hopes of thousands of Indian fans in attendance. Indian fans had a huge rejoice when the Indian bowling line up spear headed by Kapil Dev reduced Pakistan to 87 and win the game by 38 runs. With a fighting 47 from Azharuddin and a six-for by Imran Khan, umpires Dickie Bird and Mel Johnson decided to award the man of the Match to the Pakistani skipper Imran Khan. The rivalry between these two teams, the clash of the two best all-rounders in the world, the amazing recovery from India in Sharjah. These factors make this game the best game of all time.
DISCLAIMER: The games listed above are the best 5 games of cricket in my personal opinion. Any suggestions can be given in the comments section below. Cheers.