Cricket News: Top 5 cricket moments of 2021: What’s number 1? | Looking at the top 5 cricket moments of 2021
There comes the end of the year 2021. It was another year in which cricket proved to be the healer of millions of hearts amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.
2021 was home to some nail-biting encounters on the cricket field. Some fans danced with joy whereas some were left heartbroken at the same time. But we can assuredly say that the fight between the teams was outstanding, which gave rise to some spectacular cricketing moments.
The purpose of this article is to make you all relive five top moments of 2021. Let’s go.
Top 5 cricket moments of 2021:
5 New Zealand finally winning an ICC trophy, after 21 years!
After the heartbreak of the 2019 ODI World Cup Final, Kane Williamson’s New Zealand again qualified for the finals of an ICC trophy; this time the World Test Championship against a strong Indian side.
The Kiwis certainly had a slight edge over the Indians considering their superior adaptability to the conditions and a two-match series against England, but nobody had expected them to win the game in such a dominant way. After getting a crucial lead of 32 runs in the first innings, New Zealand dismantled India’s batting and bowled them out for just 170 in the second innings, courtesy of collective brilliance from their fast bowlers.
Guided by skipper Kane Williamson, the Kiwis chased 139 runs comfortably to lift the most prestigious trophy in the longest format of the game. That joyous smile of Kane Williamson with the WTC trophy will be etched in the memory of every genuine cricket fan, especially after what the New Zealand team went through in the Final of the 2019 World Cup.
4. Kieron Pollard’s six sixes in an over
The sequence of this historic event was as funny as it was memorable. Akila Dananjaya rattled the West Indies top order by taking a hattrick in his second over. Although West Indies had a great start, they were in spot of a bother at a point, placed at 62 for the loss of four wickets.
But what followed next was nothing short of absolute carnage from Kieron Pollard. The monstrous West Indian hitter smashed Dananjaya for six consecutive sixes in his third over and thus took the game far away from the visitors. In this process, Pollard became just the third batsman to hit six sixes in an over and joined the elite company of Herschelle Gibbs and Yuvraj Singh.
3. Pakistan defeating India in a World Cup game for the first time
Pakistani fans will fondly remember the year 2021 as their team beat India in a World Cup encounter.
When it comes to ICC World Cups, India have always dominated their arch-rivals Pakistan and had a 12-0 record prior to the WT20 2021. But Pakistan finally managed to break the jinx, thanks to the impactful performances of their star players Shaheen Afridi, Babar Azam and Mohammed Rizwan.
Moreover, it was a very disciplined effort from all the Pakistani bowlers that restricted India to a moderate 151. On the other hand, the Indian bowling was certainly not up to the mark and the Pakistani openers, Babar and Rizwan, didn’t seem to be under any kind of pressure while chasing the target. Pakistan played error-free cricket and thoroughly deserved to taste one of their sweetest ever victories.
Therefore, whenever the Pakistan fans will look back to 2021, there will be a smile of joy on their faces.
2. Australia lifting the T20 World Cup for the first time
There was the mighty England, there was India and there was Pakistan as well. New Zealand are always thereabouts. If someone had told me that Australia would win the World Cup, I wouldn’t have believed them.
But, I think that’s what makes their World Cup triumph even more special. They were called the underdogs and started their campaign with a hard-fought victory against South Africa but they went on to become better as the tournament progressed.
David Warner returned to his absolute best. Adam Zampa bowled his heart out. Matthew Wade smashed three consecutive sixes in memorable fashion off Shaheen Afridi in the Semi Final. Mitchell Marsh had a year to remember. Josh Hazlewood firing in T20s.
It just felt like Australia being Australia in an ICC event after a span of six-odd years. The mighty Aussies were back in business and made sure that one should never underestimate them in ICC events.
1. India breaching fortresses in Test cricket
India fans who had sleepless nights watching their team struggle in SENA countries must now feel proud of the current Indian side that has been a ruthless unit across the globe.
They came back against all odds to conquer the Gabba, defeated England comprehensively in their own den, and finally won their first ever Test in Centurion a day ago in South Africa.
It proves the amazing quality this team has in the longest format of the game. Since 2018, India have won nine Tests in South Africa, Australia and England, which certainly sums up the level of cricket they have played in the past few years. This year will certainly be remembered by the Indian fans for the historic test victories of their team in Brisbane, Lord’s, The Oval and Centurion.
Yes, there was a heart break as they couldn’t win the WTC final, but the Indian fans can take pride in the determination, resilience and fighting-spirit this team has shown at every single ground they have played. Their pace-bowling rise has been phenomenal, and they look good for more victories.
As we have bid adieu to 2021, it was a mere attempt to make the cricket fans across countries smile. Wish you all a very happy New Year and let’s hope for some more breathtaking action on the cricket field in 2022!
